Why do dentists prefer metronidazole when treating swollen and painful gums? What should you pay attention to when using it?

A friend of Huazi had swollen and painful gums. He thought it was due to "getting angry". However, after two days of enduring it, not only did the pain not go away, but his cheeks also became swollen. He had no choice but to go to the hospital. After the doctor examined him, he prescribed metronidazole and told him to take it at home.

A friend took the medicine and asked Huazi about it. His gums had been swollen and painful for several times. He had seen different dentists, but they all told him to take metronidazole. What kind of medicine is this and why do dentists like to use it so much?

1. Metronidazole is mainly used for anaerobic infections. In terms of pharmacological classification, metronidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole antibiotics, and its peers include tinidazole and ornidazole. This class of drugs has strong antibacterial activity against anaerobic bacteria, and in the human oral cavity, anaerobic bacteria are very common pathogens among the pathogenic factors that cause gingival infections. Therefore, nitroimidazoles are commonly used antibiotics for oral infections. Metronidazole has a certain effect, a low price, and the best cost-effectiveness, so it has become the "favorite" of dentists.

In addition to being able to fight anaerobic bacteria, metronidazole is also the first choice for amoeba infection and vaginal trichomoniasis. It was once called "Flagyl". It can be used in combination with other drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori, as well as anaerobic infections of the intestines, abdomen, pelvis, etc. It is a versatile "little expert".

2. What are the adverse reactions of metronidazole? The most common gastrointestinal reaction of metronidazole is direct irritation to the stomach, which can be alleviated by taking it after meals. It can pass through the blood-brain barrier, so neurological symptoms are also common, such as headache and dizziness; paresthesia and limb numbness are occasionally seen. If a large dose is taken by mistake, it may cause convulsions.

A small number of people have allergic reactions, causing urticaria, facial flushing and itching. During the period of taking metronidazole, its metabolites will make the urine appear dark red. However, the above adverse reactions are reversible and can be recovered by themselves after stopping the drug.

In general, metronidazole is relatively safe and usually does not cause serious adverse reactions. However, people who are allergic to nitroimidazoles, have central nervous system diseases, blood diseases, and pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug.

3. When using metronidazole with other drugs, it is important to note that metronidazole is metabolized by the liver. If used by patients with impaired liver function, the dosage needs to be adjusted according to the liver function. If you are taking drugs that inhibit liver enzyme activity, such as cimetidine, at the same time, it will slow down the metabolism of metronidazole. If you are taking drugs that induce liver enzyme activity, such as phenytoin sodium and phenobarbital, at the same time, it will accelerate the metabolism of metronidazole.

When taken with anticoagulants such as warfarin, metronidazole will inhibit the metabolism of anticoagulants, enhance the anticoagulant effect, and increase the risk of bleeding. If you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole, a "disulfiram-like" reaction may occur, causing acetaldehyde accumulation and poisoning. Therefore, drinking alcohol is prohibited during the use of metronidazole and within 7 days of stopping the drug.

4. Metronidazole can only be used under the guidance of a doctor. It is an antibiotic and a prescription drug. It can only be used under the guidance of a doctor. And when using it, it must be used in sufficient quantities and for a sufficient course of treatment to avoid insufficient medication that may induce drug resistance in pathogens. Oral infections are usually caused by multiple bacteria, so metronidazole is not effective when used alone, and often needs to be used in combination with other drugs to produce better results.

During the use of metronidazole, neurotoxicity needs to be monitored. If severe dizziness, limb numbness, or ataxia occurs, the drug should be stopped and medical attention should be sought promptly.

In conclusion, metronidazole is cheap, has a clear antibacterial effect, and is widely used. However, it is an antibiotic and requires a doctor's prescription to purchase and use. During use, it is necessary to pay attention to the impact with other drugs and pay more attention to adverse reactions of the nervous system. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and let me be the pharmacist by your side.