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Detailed medicine guidance

Who can and cannot take or use metronidazole

NHS medicines information on who can take or use metronidazole and who may not be able to take or use it.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.

Who can take metronidazole

Most adults and children can take metronidazole.

Who may not be able to take metronidazole

Metronidazole is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to metronidazole or any other medicine
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • feel you will not be able to stop drinking alcohol while using metronidazole
  • are having blood tests – metronidazole can interfere with the results of some tests

If you are taking the tablets, liquid or suppositories, you should also tell your doctor if you:

  • are having dialysis
  • have liver problems
  • have a disease of the nervous system

If you are using the vaginal gel, you should also tell your doctor if you:

  • think you may have vaginal thrush
  • are due your period while on treatment

View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.

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