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Metronidazole tablet content?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Metronidazole

Metronidazole tablet – what’s actually inside

Component Typical amount per tablet What it does
Active ingredient 250 mg or 500 mg (most common strengths) The drug that fights anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa (e.g., Giardia, Trichomonas, Bacteroides, Clostridium).
Excipients (in no particular order)
• Lactose monohydrate 20–30 mg Filler; helps give the tablet its bulk and shape.
• Microcrystalline cellulose 15–25 mg Binder and tablet matrix.
• Starch (often modified) 5–10 mg Helps with tablet flow and disintegration.
• Magnesium stearate 1–3 mg Lubricant; prevents ingredients from sticking to tablet‑press machinery.
• Povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone) 5–10 mg Binder and disintegrant.
• Sodium starch glycolate (or other super‑disintegrants) 5–7 mg Speeds up tablet dissolution.
• Titanium dioxide 1–3 mg Opacifier; gives the tablet its white or off‑white color.
• Other minor additives – May include colorants, preservatives, or coating agents depending on the manufacturer.

Note: Exact excipients vary by manufacturer, country, and formulation (tablet, capsule, or extended‑release). Always read the specific “Ingredients” or “Excipients” section on your package insert.

Quick “Metronidazole 500 mg tablet” example (generic)

Ingredient Amount (approx.)
Metronidazole 500 mg
Lactose monohydrate 22 mg
Microcrystalline cellulose 20 mg
Magnesium stearate 2 mg
Povidone 8 mg
Sodium starch glycolate 6 mg
Titanium dioxide 2 mg
Others (colorant, coating) < 5 mg

What is Metronidazole used for?

Infection / Condition Typical regimen (adult)
Bacterial vaginosis 500 mg twice daily for 7 days
Trichomoniasis 2 g single dose OR 500 mg BID for 7 days
Giardiasis 250 mg BID for 7 days
Clostridium difficile colitis 500 mg TID for 10–14 days
Dental/periodontal abscesses 250 mg TID for 5 days
Intra‑abdominal / pelvic infections 500 mg BID (often combined with another antibiotic)

Always follow your clinician’s dosing schedule. The dose may be higher or lower based on the infection site, severity, and individual renal or hepatic function.

How to take it

  1. Swallow whole with water (unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider).
  2. Do not crush or chew – it’s formulated for oral ingestion; altering the tablet can change its release profile and bioavailability.
  3. Take with food if you experience nausea or stomach upset, but it can be taken on an empty stomach too.
  4. Finish the full course even if you feel better; incomplete courses can lead to resistance or recurrent infection.

Common side effects

Symptom Frequency Tips
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset 10–20 % Take with food; consider anti‑emetic if severe
Metallic taste, loss of appetite 10–15 % Drink water; avoid alcohol (risk of disulfiram‑like reaction)
Diarrhea 5–10 % Stay hydrated; discuss with provider if persistent
Headache, dizziness 5–10 % Rest; avoid alcohol or sedatives
Rash or itching < 1 % Contact healthcare provider if severe

Alcohol interaction: Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram‑like reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, palpitations). Avoid alcohol throughout treatment and for at least 48 h afterward.

When to seek medical help

  • Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing).
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.
  • Signs of Clostridium difficile (watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever).
  • Unusual mental changes (confusion, hallucinations, seizures).

Bottom line

A typical 500 mg metronidazole tablet contains the active drug plus a handful of common excipients that help make the tablet stable, easy to swallow, and effective. Its use ranges from treating vaginal infections to serious anaerobic bacterial infections. Take it as prescribed, finish the course, and avoid alcohol to minimize side effects. If you have questions about specific brands or formulations, check the insert that comes with your medication or consult your pharmacist.



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