Learn about the side effects of metronidazole, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Find patient medical information for Metronidazole (Flagyl, Likmez) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Metronidazole is used to treat a certain type of vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis) in women who are not pregnant. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Metronidazole is an effective, versatile antibiotic commonly prescribed for various bacterial and protozoal infections. Its ability to target harmful bacteria and parasites plays a key role in treating conditions that other antibiotics may not address. Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of a variety of parasitic and bacterial infections of the vagina, gynecological area, skin, intra-abdominal cavity, blood, bone, joint, nervous system, and heart. Metronidazole belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Metronidazole is primarily used to treat: bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (along with other antibacterials like ceftriaxone), pseudomembranous colitis, aspiration pneumonia, rosacea (topical), fungating wounds (topical), intra-abdominal infections, lung abscess, periodontal disease, amoebiasis, oral infections, giardiasis. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial that kills anaerobic bacteria and parasites via DNA-damaging free radicals. It treats trichomoniasis, amebiasis, and serious anaerobic infections, and prevents post-colorectal-surgery infection. Learn about side effects, interactions, and indications. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of metronidazole and other antibacterial drugs, metronidazole should be used only to treat or prevent. Metronidazole oral tablets are prescription drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria or parasites. The immediate-release tablet comes as a generic drug and the brand-name drug Flagyl.