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    Women's Health
    Updated at: August 28, 20244 min read

    Dosage Instructions: How To Take Metronidazole

    Metronidazole immediate-release tablet and extended-release tablet are prescription-only antibiotics to be taken by mouth. An immediate-release drug is released into the body immediately while an extended-release drug is released slowly into the body over time.

    Both the immediate-release and extended-release metronidazole are available as generic drugs, which cost less than the brand-name drugs. 

    Always consult with your doctor prior to starting any new medication for appropriate advice on dosing it correctly for your individual requirements.

    Key Takeaways

    Two Types of Metronidazole Tablets:

    Metronidazole comes in two forms: immediate-release, which works quickly, and extended-release, which works slowly over time. Both treat bacterial infections but are used differently based on the infection type.

    Dosage Depends on Several Factors:

    The correct dose of Metronidazole depends on your age, the infection being treated, its severity, and any other health conditions you have. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on how much to take.

    Older Adults Need Special Attention:

    For seniors, Metronidazole may stay in the body longer because their kidneys don't work as efficiently. Doctors often prescribe a lower dose for older adults to reduce the risk of side effects.

    What is Metronidazole used for?

    Metronidazole immediate-release tablets are used for the treatment of various types of infection caused by bacteria or parasites, including infections that occur in the gastrointestinal tract or reproductive systems such as trichomoniasis and amebiasis. Metronidazole extended-release tablets are used to treat vaginal infections in women.

    Metronidazole may be used alone or as part of combination therapy. When used as a part of combination therapy, other medications are also taken.

    A lady taking a metronidazole tablet

    Dosing Instructions: How to take Metronidazole

    What factors can affect your dosage?

    Your dosage, drug form, and the frequency of taking the drug will depend on the following:

    • Your age

    • The condition being treated

    • The severity of the condition

    • Your reaction to the initial dose

    • Other medical conditions you have

    Metronidazole dosage for protozoal and bacterial infections:

    • Immediate-release tablets - 250 mg or 500 mg

    Bacterial infections:

    • Usual dose - 500 mg four times daily to be taken for 7 to 10 days. There are some types of infections that may require longer treatment.

    • Maximum dose - 4 g per day

    Amoebic infections:

    • Usual dose - 500 mg or 700 mg thrice daily to be taken for 5 to 10 days

    Trichomoniasis:

    • Usual dose - a single dose of 2 g or two divided doses of 1 g each daily, or 250 mg thrice daily for 7 days

    Dosage for children between the ages of 0 and 17:

    Amoebic infections:

    • Usual dose - 35 to 50 mg/kg of bodyweight daily in three divided doses for 10 days

    Senior dosage for ages 65 years and older:

    Older adults have kidneys that may not work as well as when they were younger. This can cause the body to process metronidazole more slowly, resulting in more drugs staying in the body for a longer time. This increases the risk of side effects. Your doctor may start older adults on a lowered dose or a different medication schedule in order to keep the levels of metronidazole from building up too much in the body.

    Metronidazole dosage for bacterial vaginosis:

    Adult dosage for ages between 18 and 64:

    • Usual dosage - 750 mg daily for 7 days

    Senior dosage for ages 65 years and older:

    Older adults have kidneys that may not work as well as when they were younger. This can cause the body to process metronidazole more slowly, resulting in more drugs staying in the body for a longer time. This increases the risk of side effects. Your doctor may start older adults on a lowered dose or a different medication schedule in order to keep the levels of metronidazole from building up too much in the body.

    A lady holding a metronidazole tablet and a glass of water

    Customer Experience: Ordering Bacterial Vaginosis Medication & Thrush Medication Online at UK Meds

    See first hand how UK Meds customers have found their experience of ordering BV & thrush medication with us in the videos below:

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    Blog author

    Scott Weaver

    Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.

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