Metronidazole during menstruation: can you drink or is it better to refuse
The substance metronidazole is an assistant in the fight against various infections. It is used in many drugs: the same name Metronidazole, Trichopolum and others. Women who are prescribed to take a medicine with this active substance often worry whether metronidazole can cause menstruation and how it works. Can I take Metronidazole during my period, or is it better to stop using it for this period?
What is metronidazole
Before you understand how the drug works during menstruation, you need to understand why gynecologists prescribe its use.
The substance is available in the form of tablets, gels, injections and suppositories. All types of drugs that use metronidazole have a powerful effect on microbes and bacteria. However, viral diseases, as well as fungal ones, cannot be treated with it. But one should be wary of its effects against many types of pathogenic microorganisms that have settled in the body.
Gynecologists prescribe the use of this substance in the following cases:
- infections that are transmitted through sexual contact;
- pathology of the fallopian tubes;
- diseases of the uterus (inflammation, endometritis);
- pathology of the vaginal microflora;
- parasitic infestations;
- cystitis, urethritis;
- inflammation of the ovaries;
- inflammation in the vagina (vaginitis).
In some cases, metronidazole is used before surgery and for prophylactic purposes after it.
How the drug works
This substance reduces 5-nitro groups at the biochemical level. To do this, it uses intracellular transport proteins of anaerobic microorganisms and protozoa. Under their influence, pathogenic bacteria in the body begin to die.
Indications and contraindications for menstruation
Metronidazole can be taken during menstrual periods in the same way as during their absence. Although this drug has a fairly extensive list of potential side effects.
So, if you take tablets that contain metronidazole, their overdose can cause:
- stomach upset;
- nausea;
- constipation;
- dryness or metallic taste in the mouth;
- anorexia;
- pancreatitis;
- decrease in the level of neutrophils in the blood;
- decrease in leukocyte count.
During injections, pain or swelling may occur at the injection site.
If the substance enters the body through suppositories and gel, the following consequences may occur:
- stomach upset;
- intestinal colic;
- nausea;
- thirst;
- depression;
- lack of coordination;
- dizziness;
- high degree of excitability;
- hallucinations;
- convulsions;
- sleep problems;
- urinary disorders;
- cystitis;
- allergic reactions;
- pain in muscles and joints.
However, the menstrual cycle does not tend to be disrupted when using metronidazole. For the most part, antibiotics do not have any effect on the duration and nature of menstruation. This situation is likely to be a rare exception.
If there is a delay in taking the medication, this is most likely due to an inflammatory process or infection against which the drug is intended.
The stability of the menstrual cycle and menstruation to some extent demonstrates to the woman that other processes in her body are not disturbed. Since all systems are interconnected, naturally, the pathological effect caused by the disease also extends to the reproductive system.
Sometimes a missed period while using this medicine may be due to pregnancy. Is it possible or not to use Trichopolum during menstruation? The answer to this question, whether it is possible to take Trichopolum or another drug with metronidazole during menstruation, is positive.
A completely effective cure for infections and inflammations of the genitourinary system is possible only by taking the full course of the drug.
Therefore, it is impossible to pause therapy for the period during which the menstrual cycle lasts. Instead of being cured, a woman can only worsen her condition.
Taking the pills must continue throughout the entire course prescribed by the doctor, without interruptions.
There is only one caveat regarding the use of metronidazole during menstruation. If gel, cream or suppositories are chosen as a therapeutic drug, their use during menstruation will not give the desired effect.
Discharge will wash away the gel or cream from the vaginal walls, and it will not be able to be absorbed. The same effect will happen with candles. Therefore, you should consult your doctor about taking the drug during menstruation.
What can metronidazole be combined with?
Metronidazole can be used in many cases, excluding these:
- The combination of Metronidazole and Amoxicillin is not recommended for young girls under 16 years of age.
- In the process of curing sexually transmitted and genitourinary diseases, abstinence in sexual activity is recommended. In this case, both partners must take antibacterial treatment.
- Do not combine with antacids containing aluminum hydroxide - effectiveness will decrease.
- Concomitant use of the active substance with alcohol can cause harm to the body. Metronidazole oxidizes ethanol, which provokes disorders in the nervous system, nausea, vomiting and pain.
- When taken simultaneously with indirect anticoagulants, metronidazole enhances their effect, and there is a risk of bleeding.
- Metronidazole in combination with Lansoprazole can provoke the appearance of stomatitis, glossitis, and dark coloration of the tongue.
If you follow all the doctor's recommendations, there should be no side effects.
Conclusion
Metronidazole is an effective substance in the fight against certain infections of the genitourinary system, especially sexually transmitted ones.
In case of overdose, it can provoke significant side effects, which can be avoided by strictly adhering to the regimen.
Metronidazole does not have the ability to cause or delay menstruation and should be taken regardless of it. However, during menstruation, the use of the drug in the form of gels, creams or suppositories is ineffective.
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Side effects
Metronidazole is a non-toxic drug that rarely causes side effects in patients, as evidenced by reviews. They most often occur in patients taking this drug for a long period of time. Treatment with Metronidazole may cause the following side effects:
- Allergic reactions: rash, urticaria, dermatitis, fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, asthma;
- Digestive system: poor appetite, unpleasant taste and dry mouth, nausea, mild urge to vomit, pain and cramping in the abdomen;
- Urinary system: urinary incontinence, cystitis;
- Nervous system: depression, insomnia, increased irritability, hallucinations and headaches;
- Other symptoms: thrush, joint pain, decreased number of leukocytes in the blood.
To avoid side effects when taking Metronidazole, you must strictly adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor and in no case exceed it.
Is it possible and how to take metronidazole during menstruation?
Many diseases of the female genital area caused by protozoan parasites require continuous therapy over a period of time. The course of taking medications may coincide with the onset of menstruation. If metronidazole is chosen for treatment, can or cannot it be prescribed to patients during menstruation?
The drug in question is one of the main medicinal methods of combating Giardia or amoeba in the human body.
Specialists obtain good results when treating trichomoniasis in patients with this medicine.
Like any other aggressive drug, metronidazole has its own specifics, which most often depend on the dosage form used in medical practice.
When and how does the medicine work?
The medical literature clearly outlines the range of diseases for which gynecologists prescribe this drug to their patients. Since experts consider the main advantage of metronidazole to be its antibacterial and anthelmintic effect, the medicine is prescribed in the following cases:
- First of all, these are inflammations of the vagina and urethra caused by Trichomonas.
- Intestinal diseases, which can be caused by lamblia or amoebas. Giardiasis can also provoke various inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.
- Various skin diseases caused by protozoan bacteria are perfectly treatable with the ointment form of the drug. Experts note a positive effect from the use of the drug even for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- We should not forget about various pathologies in the ovaries and tubes caused by infection. In the absence of proper therapy, the disease can spread to the kidneys, ureters and urethra.
- And, finally, diseases of the uterus, such as endometritis, caused by protozoan microorganisms.
It says that the composition of the drug has nothing to do with a woman’s menstrual cycle and absolutely does not affect the patient’s hormonal levels. The drug acts directly on protozoa and microbes, causing the death of the cells of these microorganisms.
Modern medical research indicates a negative effect of metronidazole on the very reproduction of amoebae, lamblia and trichomonas, which is the key to the complete recovery of patients when taking this medicine. Among other things, gynecologists note that this remedy tends to accumulate in the tissues and fluids of the human body, which creates a protective background against re-infection for quite a long time.
Forms of the drug for the treatment of female pathologies
Modern pharmacology recommends that patients use several dosage forms of metronidazole to treat inflammation and intestinal problems caused by protozoa. Each of them is prescribed by a doctor if a woman has a certain pathology. Quite often these forms are combined in one treatment course.
We recommend reading the article about the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. From it you will learn about the disease and the causes of its occurrence, the effect on the cycle and menstruation, and methods of therapy.
Solution for intravenous administration
This form of medication is used for severe inflammatory diseases or to prevent various consequences during surgical interventions on the pelvic and abdominal organs.
Given the rate of absorption of metronidazole into the patient’s blood, the next dose cannot be taken earlier than after 8 hours. This rule is taken into account in a gynecological hospital when prescribing complex therapy.
There are several features in the treatment of inflammatory processes with a solution of the drug. In the first, the rate of drug administration should be 1 ml per second, and in the second, when using solutions, other dosage forms are not used. This will help avoid an overdose of the drug.
Often patients worry whether metronidazole can be taken during menstruation. If the drug is used in solution, it means that the patient’s condition is of concern, so any interruption in treatment can have a detrimental effect on the woman’s health.
Vaginal suppositories
This form of the drug is quite popular among specialists, as it allows you to directly influence the inflammatory process in the female genital organs or intestines. Each suppository contains up to 500 mg of active ingredient.
A distinctive feature of this medical form is the low likelihood of drug overdose or severe side effects. This positive feature of vaginal suppositories is due to the fact that the medicine enters the patient’s bloodstream in smaller doses.
Typically the treatment period lasts from 7 to 14 days. The pharmacy package contains 7 suppositories, which is quite convenient for a woman.
It is preferable not to prescribe metronidazole suppositories during menstruation, since under the influence of the changed flora of the vagina and under the influence of escaping blood, their therapeutic effect is reduced several times. Therefore, the treatment strategy for the inflammatory process is designed so that during the monthly bleeding, the use of this form of the drug can be stopped and, if necessary, switched to tablets.
Pills
According to experts, this dosage form of the drug is the most common for treating simple microbes in the female body. Each tablet contains 250 mg of the drug.
They are mainly used by specialists both for the treatment of the female genital area and for the treatment of intestinal pathologies. If the patient is tormented by intestinal parasites or worms, it is usually recommended to take 2 tablets 3 times a day for a week.
But such a schedule is good in the absence of severe symptoms. If amoebic intestinal damage has become chronic, the dose of the drug is increased to 2 grams per day, and the treatment period is doubled.
Also, tablets of the drug are prescribed for diagnosing trichomoniasis. This disease is treated with a course of 250 mg for 10-12 days. You can try to speed up the process. In this case, the dose should be doubled and, if necessary, the effect of the drug should be enhanced by intravenous administration of metronidazole.
Tablets show good results in the treatment of ureaplasmosis. This microbial pathology is perfectly suppressed by 2 tablets per day.
Watch the video about the drug:
Creams and ointments
The modern pharmacological industry has developed a special form for the treatment of skin manifestations of pathology in women caused by protozoan microorganisms. Most often, this dosage form is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the vagina and external genitalia.
The course of therapeutic intervention should not exceed a week. At this time, 5 grams of medication is applied to the affected area of skin. This procedure is usually carried out twice a day.
Some patients believe that metronidazole induces menstruation. External use of the medicine does not affect a woman's menstrual cycle, and even if the medicine is inserted directly into the vagina, it does not affect the onset of menstruation.
Contraindications to the use of the medicine
According to the Pharmaceutical Committee, the drug is prohibited in the following cases:
- In cases of severe allergic reactions to any dosage form, which indicates complete individual intolerance to the drug.
- Doctors do not recommend using metronidazole for acute renal and liver failure. Although, according to various sources, the drug solution is included in the clinical treatment regimen for such pathologies.
- The medicine is prohibited in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Conversations that menstruation may be delayed after metronidazole are not supported by objective scientific data.
- This medicine is not recommended for diseases of the central nervous system and changes in the blood coagulation system.
The prescription of this drug is the complete prerogative of the gynecologist, since this drug belongs to the group of rather potent drugs. Self-administration of metronidazole can be fraught with various complications.
What should a woman be wary of when taking it?
Most experts classify this drug as one of the drugs that have a low toxic effect. According to doctors, taking this drug most often causes:
- Disorders of the digestive system. Patients note dryness of the oral mucosa, nausea, vomiting, and periodic pain in the stomach and intestines.
- General allergic reactions are possible, such as dermatitis, swelling of the nose and throat, increased body temperature, and difficulty breathing.
- Often taking the drug affects the functioning of the genitourinary system. There may be pain when urinating, urinary retention or incontinence.
- Some experts describe problems with the central nervous system in such patients. Headaches, sleep disturbances and changes in the perception of the world are possible. Similar symptoms usually occur with long-term use of the medicine.
If a woman was taking metronidazole and her period was delayed, there is no need to connect these two points.
Doctors note thrush, disruption of the coagulation system, and possible joint pain when taking the drug, but there is practically no talk of cycle failure.
Such symptoms are simply a coincidence, since the drug is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, which in itself can cause menstrual irregularities.
We recommend reading the article about menstruation with endometritis. From it you will learn about the causes of the disease and its effect on the menstrual cycle, treatment of endometritis with metronidazole and other drugs.
How does metronidazole affect the menstrual cycle?
If you carefully read the annotation for the drug, you will notice that menstruation is not a reason to stop treatment. Moreover, many gynecologists are confident that a break in the use of the medicine can have a detrimental effect on a woman’s health and negate all previous treatment.
This medicine is usually prescribed to young ladies by a specialist, so he must familiarize the woman with all the intricacies of treatment with the medicine in question.
The only restrictive advice for this group of patients may be the recommendation not to use metronidazole suppositories during menstruation. The point is not allergies or other pathological reactions when using such a dosage form.
Vaginal suppositories practically lose their healing power during this period, since the vaginal flora neutralizes the healing effect of the drug.
Metronidazole can be successfully used to treat most diseases in women caused by protozoan parasites. However, the key to success in treating such a pathology will be the patient’s scrupulous compliance with all the doctor’s recommendations.
Source: https://ProMesyachnye.ru/metronidazol-vo-vremya-mesyachnyx/
Treatment
Pills. The correct dosage of Metronidazole in the treatment of parasitic infestation in adults is selected depending on the type of microorganisms that have affected the patient’s body and the stage of the disease.
- Trichomoniasis. Dosage for adults: 1 tablet (250 mg) twice a day. The entire course of treatment is 10 days. Another treatment regimen involves expedited care for the patient. To do this, you need to double the dose of the drug and take 2 tablets (500 mg) of Metronidazole in the morning and evening. But at the same time, the duration of the treatment course should be reduced to 5 days. If Trichomonas affects the organs of the female reproductive system, patients must additionally receive intravenous injections with Metronizadol solution. After completing the course of treatment, you should take a two-week break, and then repeat the therapy again for the patient’s complete recovery.
- Amoebiasis. For asymptomatic amebiasis, the dosage for adults is 2 tablets (500 mg) of Metronidazole three times a day. Treatment course – 1 week. For chronic amebiasis, adult patients and children over 12 years of age take 2 tablets in the morning, afternoon and evening (1.5 g per day). This treatment therapy lasts from 5 to 10 days. For a complete recovery of an adult patient from acute amoebic dysentery, he needs to take 3 tablets three times a day (2.25 g per day) until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear. Liver abscess. When treating adult patients, the dosage can reach 2.5 g per day - 3 tablets three times a day. For this disease, Metronidazole must be combined with antibacterial drugs from the tetracycline group. In this case, the general course of treatment is 5-6 days.
- Ureaplasmosis. The dose of Metronidazole for ureaplasmosis for patients over 12 years of age is 1 tablet twice a day (500 mg per day). In case of severe disease, the dosage can be increased to 3 tablets in the morning, afternoon and evening (750 mg per day).
Should I use Metronidazole during menstruation?
Metronidazole is a drug used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases. The medication is an antibiotic. Metronidazole can be taken during menstruation. Usually, discontinuation of the drug is not required. The drug is often recommended for parasitic infections.
You can take the medication only after prior consultation with your doctor. You need to familiarize yourself with the possible side effects and contraindications in advance. Only in this case the medicine will be effective. The drug is available in the form of suppositories and tablets.
Both forms of the medicine are equally effective.
Metronidazole can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
What is Metronidazole
Metronidazole is a drug belonging to the group of antibiotics. The drug is available in the form:
- tablets;
- candles;
- gels;
- solutions for injections.
All of the above forms of the drug have a powerful effect on microbes and bacteria. Viral and fungal disorders are not treated with this medication.
Most often, the medicine is prescribed for the following indications:
- sexually transmitted infections;
- pathology of the fallopian tubes;
- various diseases of the uterus;
- microflora pathologies;
- parasitic abnormalities;
The drug is indicated for inflammation of the ovaries
- cystitis;
- urethritis;
- inflammatory process in the ovaries;
- inflammatory process in the vagina.
The drug can be used as preparation for surgery. Also recommended for prophylaxis after surgery.
The drug received its name due to the main active ingredient. The medicine has 4 release forms, each of which is described in the table.
Tablets for internal use | The tablets have a pleasant yellow-green tint. The shape resembles a cylinder. Has 250 mg of active ingredient. Each package contains 10 tablets. |
Creams and gels | Used externally. Available in tube. The package also contains a special applicator for application. |
Candles | In this form, the medication is used to treat a variety of gynecological diseases. The form contains 500 mg of active substance. The package contains 7 candles. |
Solution | Used by injection. The liquid is pale yellow in color. |
Sometimes you can use several forms at once. Before using the medicine, you should always consult your doctor. Only in this case can you be sure of the safety of the antibacterial agent.
Consultation with a gynecologist before taking the drug is mandatory
What are the contraindications for use?
Metronidazole, like any medication, has contraindications. If they are present, the use of the medicine is prohibited. Otherwise, side effects will occur.
Contraindications for the medication include:
- severe renal and liver failure;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- individual intolerance to the active components of the medication.
If there are contraindications, you will have to choose a different medicine for treatment. It is also worth noting that the medication should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With breastfeeding, treatment is only possible if breastfeeding is stopped for a while.
What side effects may there be?
In rare cases, the drug leads to the development of unwanted reactions. This is usually the result of improper use of the medication or ignoring existing contraindications.
Sometimes allergies occur after using the drug
Also, the development of side effects is likely in women who use Metranidazole for a long period of time. An allergic reaction may occur, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- rashes;
- hives;
- dermatitis;
- increased body temperature;
- nasal congestion;
- breathing disorder.
Possible disorders of the digestive system also cannot be ruled out. A woman's appetite may decrease. An unpleasant taste will appear in the mouth. The patient will begin to feel nauseous. There will be pain in the abdomen. A woman may experience severe diarrhea. Mild nausea is also observed. Appetite changes.
Possible side effects also include:
- urinary incontinence;
- depressive states;
Sometimes patients complain of joint pain
- sleep disorders such as insomnia;
- increased irritability;
- soreness in the head;
- joint pain;
- the formation of thrush.
If you experience side effects, seek help from your doctor. The doctor will recommend a different medicine.
Can I take it during menstruation?
Menstruation is not a contraindication to the use of Metronidazole. This applies to drugs of various forms. It is not only possible, but even necessary to use the medicine during critical days.
If the course of treatment is interrupted during menstruation, there is a risk of aggravating the situation. However, these days it is recommended to use the medication in tablet form. This way the medicine will be more effective.
It is not recommended to use gels and creams for monthly discharge. The drug will be ineffective because it will be washed out along with menstruation. In this case, there can be no question of complete absorption.
From this video you can learn about the use of antibiotics in gynecology:
Vaginal suppositories should not be used either. In this form, the medicine will also be ineffective. Before using Metronidazole, you will need to consult your doctor.
How to use the medicine correctly
Therapy using Metranidazole lasts 5-10 days. Categorically independently increase the course or dosage of the antibiotic. Tablets are used after meals and washed down with clean water.
It is not advisable to crush the drug before use. You should also not chew the medicine. The medicine is used in a dosage of 200-500 mg several times a day, depending on the existing diagnosis.
Stop taking the drug if a large number of side effects appear.
How does an antibiotic affect your period?
Metronidazole is a potent drug. Sometimes the drug can cause long delays. In this case, there is no need to worry. The condition returns to normal by the next critical days.
Also, sometimes the drug leads to increased menstrual symptoms. This is a side effect and is not dangerous.
Source: https://mesyachnie.com/preparaty-i-gormony/metronidazol.html
Indications for use
The unique composition of the drug allows it to be used to treat many pathologies. The main indications include the following:
Before using Metronidazole, you should definitely consult with an infectious disease specialist and parasitologist. Only a specialist can choose the most effective therapeutic tactics.
The scheme for using tablets, creams and solution is selected depending on the characteristics of the patient’s body and the type of pathological bacteria. However, it should be remembered that when using the drug in the form of a special injection solution, it is prohibited to resort to other forms, otherwise you may encounter an overdose.