Which is a known side effect of metronidazole?

Which is a known side effect of metronidazole?

• A. Hair loss
• B. Hypertension
• C. Metallic taste and dark urine
• D. Nausea only

Answer: (C)

Metronidazole often causes sensory changes and urine color changes. A metallic taste is a common adverse effect, often noticed early in therapy, due to altered taste perception from the drug. Dark urine can also occur because the drug and its metabolites are excreted in the urine, giving it a darker appearance. These effects are not dangerous by themselves and signal the drug is acting, but they can be disconcerting, so patients should be reassured. Also, avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after finishing, since metronidazole can trigger a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. While nausea can occur, hair loss and hypertension are not typical for this medication, so the metallic taste and dark urine combination best fits known metronidazole side effects.

Metronidazole often causes sensory changes and urine color changes. A metallic taste is a common adverse effect, often noticed early in therapy, due to altered taste perception from the drug. Dark urine can also occur because the drug and its metabolites are excreted in the urine, giving it a darker appearance. These effects are not dangerous by themselves and signal the drug is acting, but they can be disconcerting, so patients should be reassured. Also, avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after finishing, since metronidazole can trigger a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. While nausea can occur, hair loss and hypertension are not typical for this medication, so the metallic taste and dark urine combination best fits known metronidazole side effects.