What are the effects and side effects of using metronidazole injection for facial application?
Sep 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Qingyun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, topical application of metronidazole injection to the face may have effects including antibacterial action, anti-inflammatory action, treatment of skin diseases, antioxidant effects, and relief of itching. Possible side effects include allergic reactions, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and liver or kidney damage. Additional potential benefits may include skin repair and antiparasitic effects, while other possible side effects could include hypotension and excessive excitation. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
Under normal circumstances, the effects of applying metronidazole injection to the face include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, treatment of skin diseases, antioxidant, and antipruritic actions. Side effects may include allergic reactions, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and liver or kidney function damage, as detailed below:
I. Effects
1. Antibacterial
Metronidazole injection has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and can inhibit the growth of various bacteria and parasites, including anaerobic bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria. Common indications include bacterial infections and trichomoniasis.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Metronidazole injection can suppress the production of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, thereby reducing inflammatory responses. It also inhibits extracellular matrix degradation, minimizing tissue damage caused by inflammation.
3. Treatment of Skin Diseases
Metronidazole injection can treat skin disorders due to its antimicrobial and antiprotozoal properties, effectively managing infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.
4. Antioxidant
Metronidazole injection exhibits antioxidant effects, primarily because its chemical structure contains a nitroimidazole ring with reducing properties that can scavenge free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress damage.
5. Antipruritic (Relieves Itching)
Metronidazole injection can kill parasites that cause itching, thus alleviating symptoms of skin pruritus.
II. Side Effects
1. Allergic Reactions
Metronidazole injection is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent with a complex chemical structure that may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Differences in individual sensitivity and tolerance mean that certain people may experience allergic reactions to metronidazole injection.
2. Nausea
Metronidazole injection may cause nausea by irritating the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Dry Mouth
Metronidazole injection may lead to dry mouth because, as an antiprotozoal and antibacterial drug, it can disrupt the normal microbial flora in the oral cavity, reducing bacterial counts and resulting in dryness.
4. Dizziness
Metronidazole injection may cause dizziness by inducing hypotension and vasodilation, potentially leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. Additionally, it may affect nervous system function, causing symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.
5. Liver and Kidney Function Damage
After metabolism in the body, metronidazole injection produces certain toxic metabolites, such as metronidazole acid and metronidazole sulfone. These metabolites may exert toxic effects on liver and kidney cells, potentially leading to hepatic and renal dysfunction.
In addition, other potential effects include skin repair and parasiticidal action, while additional possible side effects include hypotension and overexcitation. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
