Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Metronidazole as follows:
- Metronidazole intake can increase the risk for skin rash and photosensitivity. Individuals with history of photosensitivity and taking Metronidazole should avoid natural and bright lights or use sunscreens, to prevent any photosensitive responses from developing.
- Long term Metronidazole intake can lead to hepatic injury, thus compromising liver function. Also, Metronidazole is significantly metabolized by the liver. Hepatic injury and altered liver function can result in increased bilirubin levels in the body, resulting in itching, jaundice with yellowing of skin and sclera, dark urine, altered metabolism with nausea and vomiting, pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, and fatigue. Also, compromised liver function can lead to reduced metabolism of Metronidazole and increased blood levels for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Metronidazole should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Metronidazole should be used with extreme caution in individuals taking blood thinners like Warfarin. Metronidazole enhances the therapeutic effects of Warfarin and increases the thinning, making the individual prone for bleeding diathesis and internal hemorrhages.
- Watch closely for development of any opportunistic infections, such as, oral candidiasis with white patches in the mouth, to be reported to the physician.
