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Metronidazole
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<p>Metronidazole, sold under the brand name Flagyl among others, is an <a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">antibiotic</a> and <a href="/facts/Antiprotozoal_medication/rpp8YNs3">antiprotozoal medication</a>. It is used either alone or with other antibiotics to treat <a href="/facts/Pelvic_inflammatory_disease/gXtEQ4EV">pelvic inflammatory disease</a>, <a href="/facts/Endocarditis/SlaH14C3">endocarditis</a>, and <a href="/facts/Bacterial_vaginosis/Tmvw2bMR">bacterial vaginosis</a>. It is effective for <a href="/facts/Dracunculiasis/gVcneqAs">dracunculiasis</a>, <a href="/facts/Giardiasis/307cHWb7">giardiasis</a>, <a href="/facts/Trichomoniasis/FHEG7Wj1">trichomoniasis</a>, and <a href="/facts/Amebiasis/VdNpYVKC">amebiasis</a>. It is an option for a first episode of mild-to-moderate <a href="/facts/Clostridioides_difficile_infection/kYFGjVKf"><i>Clostridioides difficile</i> colitis</a> if <a href="/facts/Vancomycin/enHvz4uP">vancomycin</a> or <a href="/facts/Fidaxomicin/cKl20bE1">fidaxomicin</a> is unavailable. Metronidazole is available <a href="/facts/Oral_administration/vNQcvLVx">orally</a> (by mouth), as a cream or gel, and by slow <a href="/facts/Intravenous_infusion/AwwuD3Nu">intravenous infusion</a> (injection into a vein). </p><p>Common side effects include <a href="/facts/Nausea/dyhkcbeD">nausea</a>, <a href="/facts/Dysgeusia/37AmaEg6">a metallic taste</a>, <a href="/facts/Anorexia_(symptom)/G7RsaXp9">loss of appetite</a>, and headaches. Occasionally <a href="/facts/Seizure/zuIrQyze">seizures</a> or allergies to the medication may occur. Some state that metronidazole should not be used in early <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a>, while others state doses for trichomoniasis are safe.[<i>weasel words</i>] Metronidazole is generally considered compatible with <a href="/facts/Breastfeeding/cdWXyYDX">breastfeeding</a>. </p><p>Metronidazole began to be commercially used in 1960 in France. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. It is available in most areas of the world. In 2022, it was the 133rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions. </p>