Patient was educated on the side effects of using Metronidazole as follows:

  1. Anaphylaxis
  • A rare, but serious anaphylactic response can occur for Metronidazole. Patients can present with extreme itching and rash, swelling of the face and throat, dizziness, bronchoconstriction, and difficulty breathing.
  • This is an emergency and medical attention should be sought immediately, without any delay.
  1. Central nervous system findings
  • Metronidazole use can sometimes result in severe dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, tremors, and seizures.
  1. Hepatic damage
  • 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.
  1. Photosensitivity
  • Metronidazole intake can result in photosensitivity and skin rash.