Allergy - Metronidazole Antibiotic Test

Metronidazole is an antibiotic drug. It is commonly used to treat stomach infections, liver infections, bacterial infections in the skin, joints and brain and also infections in vaginal tracts. Metronidazole does not cure viral or fungal infections.

The drug is available as a tablet or an oral suspension. However the drug has multiple side effects and should be taken at the prescribed time to avoid complications. Allergy to this drug is common. To assess this, a skin prick test is used.

No special preparation is needed. Inform the doctor of any medications being taken by the patient. A slight discomfort might be experienced during the skin prick test. An additional blood test may be required. In this case, the patient is recommended to wear a short sleeved shirt.

The positive result will be the formation of a wheal (mosquito bite like bump) at the pricking site. In case of a positive result, the patient is termed allergic to Metronidazole. A blood test may further be ordered.

A negative result rules the patient not allergic to Metronidazole. If the patient shows extreme side effects to the drug, a different antibiotic will be assigned.

The prick site will either be the back or the arm of the patient. The site will be cleaned. A small amount of the drug will be taken in a sterile needle. The needle will be pricked into the site. The site will be observed for any swelling or other reactions.