Can You Take Amoxicillin And Metronidazole Together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not amoxicillin and metronidazole can be taken together.
I was given amoxicillin and metronidazole to take together but I can't find anywhere if this combination is safe. Is it?
Dec 06, 2022- It is safe to take amoxicillin and metronidazole together, and they are often prescribed together to treat infections like H. pylori.
- These two antibiotics work against different types of microbes using different mechanisms, so they complement each other when used as a combination treatment.
- Nausea and diarrhea are common side effects that may occur when taking both drugs together, but taking them with food may help reduce these effects.
Answer
Yes, it is safe to take amoxicillin and metronidazole together. In fact, they are often prescribed together to treat certain conditions, such as H. Pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infections.
Combined Use
Both amoxicillin and metronidazole are antimicrobials, but work against different types of microbes, and have different mechanisms of action.
Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin, a type of 'beta-lactam' antibiotic, and works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). It is considered a 'broad-spectrum' antibiotic as it covers both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, although plenty of bacteria are resistant to it.
Metronidazole on the other hand, is classified as both an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent that belongs to a class known as nitroimidazoles. It covers mostly anaerobic bacteria as well as protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amebiasis, and giardiasis.
As mentioned, it's not uncommon that amoxicillin and metronidazole are combined.
You don't mention why you were prescribed these drugs, but I am guessing you either have (unluckily) multiple infections that need treatment, or you have an infection where both drugs are commonly used.
One such infection is an H. Pylori infection, a gram-negative bacterium that infects the stomach and intestines. Untreated, it can cause significant discomfort, gastric reflux and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
A common treatment for H. Pylori is using a three or four-drug regimen that consists of several antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec.
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, metronidazole, doxycycline, and clarithromycin are commonly used.
Watch For Side Effects
Now, even though amoxicillin and metronidazole can safely be used together, they do share some common side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.
It is possible that these side effects may be more pronounced when these drugs are taken together. Both drugs can be taken with food, and this may help decrease their severity.
If side effects become intolerable, be sure to speak with your doctor about them.
Final Words
Thanks for contacting us! I hope this answer helped.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antimicrobials
- Medicines that kill or stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and other pathogens.
- Aminopenicillin
- A type of penicillin-based antibiotic that has a broad range of activity against various bacteria.
- Beta-lactam
- A class of antibiotics that work by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation.
- Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)
- Specific molecules on bacterial cells that antibiotics target to prevent cell wall formation.
- Broad-spectrum
- An antibiotic that is effective against many different types of bacteria.
- Gram-negative
- A type of bacteria that has a specific cell wall structure and stains pink in laboratory tests.
- Anaerobic bacteria
- Bacteria that can survive and grow without oxygen.
- Proton pump inhibitor
- A medication that reduces stomach acid production by blocking acid-producing pumps in stomach cells.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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