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Metronidazole vs. Ceftriaxone

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

• Trichomoniasis
• Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
• Serious bacterial infections, such as:
  • Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
  • Skin infections
  • Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
  • Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
  • Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
  • Heart infection (endocarditis)

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Headache (18%)
• Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
• Nausea (10%)
• Metallic taste (9%)
• Flu-like symptoms (6%)

• Possible risk of cancer
• Serious allergic reactions
• Brain and nerve problems
• Liver and kidney problems
• Risk of fungal infection
• Risk of drug resistance
• Lower white blood cell counts
• Interaction with other medications

Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics because of its low risk for side effects and its ability to treat several types of bacterial infections. Ceftriaxone is an injection given either into the veins or into the muscle, so it's used most often in the hospital or a clinic setting (e.g., nursing home, provider's office). But it can also be used at home in certain situations. The dosage depends on the type and severity of your infection, but it's usually given once per day. If you have a penicillin allergy, you might still be able to receive ceftriaxone depending on your reaction to penicillin.

• Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Ear infections
• Stomach infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
• Bone and joint infections
• Bloodstream infections
• Meningitis
• Gonorrhea
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Preventing infection from surgery

• Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

• Allergic reactions
• Avoid administration with calcium-containing medications
• Nervous system side effects
• Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
• Low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
• Development of drug-resistant bacteria