Can you become immune to metronidazole?

Metronidazole resistance can occur by a number of different mechanisms that involve reduced uptake of the drug, increased removal from the bacterial cell or by reducing the rate of metronidazole activation inside anaerobes.

Can BV become resistant to metronidazole?

Second, the bacteria that either cause BV or cause the anaerobic overgrowth may have become relatively more resistant to metronidazole (the most common treating agent) or to clindamycin (the other common treating agent). Third, this infection may be reintroduced back into the vagina as a result of reinfection.

How common is metronidazole resistance?

A high metronidazole resistance rate (17.5%) is noted in the current study. Emergence of carbapenem resistance in anaerobic organisms has also been reported for the first time in this study. Resistance was most frequently seen in Bacteroides species which was also the most commonly isolated organism.

What can cause metronidazole not to work?

Metronidazole belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Which bacteria is resistant to metronidazole?

Anaerobic bacteria known to be resistant to metronidazole include occasional anaerobic cocci, some nonsporulating gram-positive bacilli and propionibacterium. Metronidazole is the most active antimicrobial agent against Bacteroides fragilis, the most resistant of anaerobic bacteria.

How and When to use Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel) - Doctor Explains

How many times can you take metronidazole?

Adults—500 or 750 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days. Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 35 to 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into 3 doses, for 10 days.

Why do I still have BV symptoms after antibiotics?

Within a month, antibiotics clear up to 85% of bacterial vaginosis cases, yet for over half of these patients, BV will return within 6 months. This is thought to be in part because the antibiotics don't fully eradicate the pathogenic microbes, leaving BV-associated bacteria to regrow in the vagina following treatment.

When does metronidazole stop working?

The elimination half life of metronidazole is approximately 8 hours. It takes 5.5 x elimination half life for a medicine to be completely cleared from the body. Therefore it will take about 44 hours (5.5 x 8 hrs) for it to be cleared from your system.

How do you know if metronidazole is not working?

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that the infection is cleared up. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days after you start this medicine or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

What happens if you take metronidazole too often?

If you take too much metronidazole tablets, liquid or suppositories. Taking an extra dose of metronidazole tablets, liquid or suppositories is unlikely to harm you or your child. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried or you take more than 1 extra dose.

What if BV doesn't go away with metronidazole?

BV that does not resolve after one course of treatment may be cured by a second course with the same agent. Another option is to switch to another agent (ie, metronidazole to clindamycin, or clindamycin to metronidazole) as other concomitant organisms may respond better to an alternate medication.

Can your body reject metronidazole?

It is possible that your body is rejecting the drugs or having a bad interaction, and you may need to seek alternative medication. Most of these go away in a few days, though they can last as long as several weeks. There are more serious side effects that you should be aware of.

Can metronidazole cause permanent damage?

Serious side effects of Flagyl and Flagyl ER include brain disease, fevers, mouth sores, painful urination, nerve damage resulting in prickling or tingling sensations that may become permanent, cystitis, pelvic pain or pressure, decreased sex drive, inflammation of the lining of the rectum, inflammation of the mouth ...

How many times can you take metronidazole for BV?

Metronidazole is available as an oral pill or vaginal gel; the choice of pill or gel is based on the person's preferences. The oral pill is taken twice daily for seven days. The gel is inserted into the vagina at bedtime for five days. Both treatments work equally well.

What happens if my BV won't go away?

If you have persistent BV (ie it does not settle down with the first treatment you try) then your doctor may want to take further vaginal swabs to check whether there is another cause of the discharge. They will usually suggest that you use the seven-day course of metronidazole if you have not had this before.

Can you get BV permanently?

Recurrent bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the vaginal bacteria normally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition and treatment is available; however, in some women the condition may recur or even become chronic, requiring multiple and sometimes long-term treatments.

Does metronidazole work for everyone?

Metronidazole is not suitable for some people. To make sure the tablets, liquid or suppositories are safe for you, tell your doctor if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to metronidazole or any other medicine.

Can I use metronidazole for more than 5 days?

For vaginal dosage form (cream): Adults—One applicatorful (500 milligrams [mg]), inserted into the vagina. Use the medicine 1 or 2 times a day for 10 or 20 days.

Why am I still having discharge after taking metronidazole?

Does metronidazole vaginal gel cause white clumpy discharge? Depending on the brand, vaginal discharge can be a possible side effect of metronidazole vaginal gel. It should go away soon after completing a full course of treatment. If it doesn't, let your provider know.

Can I take metronidazole longer than 7 days?

You'll usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5 to 7 days. Sometimes this antibiotic can be prescribed in a single, larger dose. However, this may have a higher risk of side effects and it's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as a precaution.

Is it normal to get BV every month?

Some women suffer from chronic (recurring) bacterial vaginosis. Medicine can clear up the infection, but it returns again after a few weeks. Some women report that bacterial vaginosis returns after their period each month. Or it can return after they have sex.

Can BV become resistant to antibiotics?

The widespread use of antibiotics to treat these infections has resulted in increasing rates of resistance. While this is far less common with the bacteria involved in BV, resistance can sometimes occur.

Can you use metronidazole long term?

Treatment of Crohn's disease with metronidazole for longer than 3 months is not recommended both because of lack of additional therapeutic gain and because of the increasing risk of side effects.