Health - JASE Medical

Emergency Alert – Rural Hospitals Closing at an Alarming Rate

You will need to be your own first responder

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According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Patient Reform, around 30% of all rural hospitals in the U.S. are at a risk of closure due to financial issues. It is expected that these losses will likely increase as inflation and workforce shortages continue. Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, New York, Hawaii, Vermont, and Connecticut are facing possible closures in half or more of their rural hospitals.

Our most vulnerable population at risk

A retrospective study of the availability of pediatric inpatient services from 4720 U.S. hospitals between the years 2008 – 2018 revealed some very concerning statistics. Over that time span, pediatric inpatient units decrease by 19.1%. In rural areas, the declines were higher, at 26.1%. This puts our most vulnerable population-children- at risk.

As gas prices surge to new record highs, many families will find it difficult to maintain their standard of living in rural areas. Compounding this, is a lack of health care available in these areas.

Become your own first responder

As more people move into rural areas, the ability to handle any emergency will become increasingly necessary. Most rural health care facilities provided basic primary care, stabilizing emergency services, and therapies that covered the gap between the family first aid kit and the advanced services of an urban hospital. With more rural hospitals shuttering their doors, it will become increasingly necessary for every able-bodied member of your family and group to know more than basic first aid.

Beyond the basics of first aid

If you live in a rural area, away from nearby hospitals or clinics, and you don’t have advanced medical knowledge or taken any first responder courses, now is the time to do that. Check with your local first responders, EMTs, and volunteer fire department for classes that they may offer. All able-bodied members of your family or group should attend these classes.

If you have members that are medically fragile, very young, disabled or elderly, having the knowledge, tools, and expertise to manage any situation that may arise will prove to be lifesaving.

Having the knowledge without the supplies is like a mechanic without tools

it may seem like a daunting task to have everything you need for every emergency-but building up from a basic first aid kit can be accomplished with relatively little money. The first step, if you aren’t already medically trained, is to enroll in a medical emergency course offered in your area. Be proactive, get to know and spend time with those that have more medical experience than you.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses and get supplies and training in those areas.

Keep a log of all your medical supplies and replenish immediately as needed.

Get to know your neighbors, trade phone numbers, and have an emergency plan in place, both for natural disasters and medical emergencies. Run through some scenarios that are likely to happen. Have a backup plan for every plan in place.

Identify those in your group pre-existing medical conditions. This includes asthma, heart disease, disabled, hearing her side impaired, and anyone suffering from mental illness. In your logbook, keep track of all supplies and medications necessary.

Have on hand: (have training and practice using the following)

  • “The Preppers Medical Handbook” by Willim Forgey, MD. This handbook, written for the lay population is concise and well written.
  • Gloves and personal protective equipment- including mask and eye shield (usually in basic first aid kit)
  • Saline solution to clean wounds (usually in basic first aid kit)
  • Suture kit
  • SAM splint– a lightweight, flexible, inexpensive splint that can be formed and cut with scissors.
  • Manual suction masks
  • Chest seals and decompression supplies
  • Cervical stabilizer
  • Burn kit- for large and small burns
  • Otoscope and extra batteries
  • Basic trauma kit-check out My Medic for a trauma kit that would work for your family.
  • Dechoker- highly rated and easy to use during a choking episode. They carry different sizes.
  • Nebulizer with tubing and masks that can fit all sizes.
  • Jase Case with add-ons as needed and Jase Daily-a year supply of chronic prescription medications for each member of the family.

Living a rural lifestyle is a dream come true for many. This is especially true when raising children. The outdoors experiences and lifestyle away from modern conveniences and services require a level of self-sufficiency that many are not equipped to handle. Medical emergencies are an inevitable part of life. The difference between an urban and rural setting is glaringly obvious when it comes to emergency medical care. Whether it is a motor vehicle accident, a chainsaw injury, heat stroke, heart attack, or any of the number of emergencies, you must be prepared to be your own first responder.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

(Part 1 of 2) What was the Carrington Event of 1859? Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications...

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

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(Part 1 of 2)

What was the Carrington Event of 1859?

Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications fell silent, telegraph operators received shocks from sparks emitting from their machines, and the bright light emitted from this storm prompted laborers to go to work early, believing it was later in the day than it was. Even birds chirped in the bright pre-dawn light- but it was the massive glow from the largest solar storm ever recorded.

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME)?

As one of the most powerful events that can take place in our solar system, CMEs occur as an ejection of a massive amount of charged particles and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. The corona is the sun’s outermost layer.

A CME with as much power as the Carrington event only takes between 17-24 hours to reach earth once ejected- leaving very little time to prepare. There are many CMEs and solar flares that occur throughout the year. Luckily, many do not reach the earth’s surface but are aimed away from earth.

(As of this writing, NOAA has issued a strong geomagnetic storm alert for today, check out their site here for more information).

How likely is another CME in the near future?

Solar storms like the Carrington event  happen only about every 500 years—thankfully. But smaller storms happen frequently, and storms half as intense as the 1859 storm happen about every 50 years. It has been estimated that a Carrington-class event today would result in between $0.6 and $2.6 trillion in damages to the U.S. alone.

Approximately every 11 years, our sun enters a sun cycle where increased geomagnetic activity takes place. This is called a solar maximum. During a solar maximum, CMEs are more likely to occur. Our next solar maximum is scheduled for 2025 however; increased activity on the sun have astronomers predicting a peak solar cycle sooner, as early as the end of this year.

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If a Carrington-class event took place today, we would experience complete devastation

Our lives are so dependent on the electrical infrastructure that we may not realize how many systems are dependent on the grid. The far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects on our lives is almost impossible to realize. No matter where you live in the world- off grid or not- life would dramatically change.

Restoring systems would be highly variable- depending on where in the world the CME hit, time of year and infrastructure affected.  Resource allocation to the most vital parts of our everyday life would be a priority. Having the materials to repair or replace damaged parts would be a priority. If the materials weren’t readily available, procuring needed materials could be delayed due to the collapse of the highway infrastructure. Lives would be lost; medications would not be available once local supply ran out. People dependent on oxygen and medical devices may find themselves without lifesaving equipment. Life as we know it would dramatically change.

Some of the critical infrastructure and systems that could be affected include:

Power Grids: Widespread power outages that could last for weeks or months. Grocery stores, refrigeration units, and gas pumps, are just a few of the immediate infrastructure failures. Even with backup generators, eventually the world would go completely dark. Heating and air conditioning systems would stop working. Elevators and any electronic locks would fail. Subways would go dark. Buses would stop running.

Emergency Services: 911 calls may be disrupted, leading to communication breakdown. Police and fire departments could be overwhelmed with fires and explosions from transformers and electrical lines that became supercharged from the electromagnetic pulse. Water to put out these fires may be in short supply from pump failure.

Healthcare: Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on electronic equipment and communication systems. Patient care would be limited or nonexistent. In some instances, hospitals and clinics may be forced to shut down completely. Medications and medical supplies would be rationed.

Communication Networks: GPS systems could stop working or be inaccurate, affecting navigation systems in aviation, maritime and land. Cellphones would not work; satellites and telecommunications would be disrupted by the powerful geomagnetic storm. In fact satellites could lose orbit and plummet to the ground.

Agriculture: Modern agriculture relies on technology for irrigation, crop monitoring, and logistics. Modern tractors and farm equipment have computerized systems that would cease to work, leaving this equipment stranded in the field and inoperable.

Water and Sewage Systems: City water pumps would fail. Sewage treatment plants would be unable to function. Toilets would back up and become a health hazard. All forms of modern plumbing would come to a halt after a few days.  

Financial Systems: ATMs would stop working immediately. You would be unable to access money from your bank, with a credit/debit card. All transactions would cease to work.

Oil and Gas Pipelines: The monitoring and control systems for oil and gas pipelines could be affected, potentially leading to leaks or other safety hazards. If gas pumps did work at your local station, supply could be limited or unavailable because of pipeline shut downs.

Solutions

While there is no easy solution, being prepared and stocking up for any outcome is your best defence until systems return and life as you know it is back to normal. Part 2 of this article will provide solutions and possible scenarios to help equip you and your family if an EMP takes down our modern way of life.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

(Part 1 of 2) What was the Carrington Event of 1859? Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications...

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Are You In One of the Fastest Growing Age Groups in America?

Prepare for a Medical Emergency as a Senior

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If you were born between the years 1946 and 1964, you are considered a baby boomer. This section of the population is the largest and fastest growing population in America, with one in six adults claiming this demographic.

With age comes challenges that aren’t usually part of younger populations. Slower reflexes, loss of balance, and reduced coordination are just a few challenges faced by seniors. Add to that, seniors usually take more medications and have more physical disabilities on average than the younger set.

This means being medically prepared, in the event of an emergency is of paramount importance.

A few challenges faced by seniors are:

Sight and hearing impairment

  • Both visual and hearing impairment can cause the inability to hear or see dangers within your home or even out in public. Make sure that you have regular hearing and eye checkups. Fill any prescriptions for glasses or hearing aids, and if possible, have an extra set of both for your bug- out-bag.

Physical disability

  • Seniors may encounter loss of coordination and balance as they age which can put them at a risk for falls. Survey your home and remove any throw rugs or any trip hazards in hallways in areas frequently traveled. Install Night Lights that don’t require batteries. There are several models out there that also have a motion sensor feature built in. Make sure that the path to and from the bathroom is well lit to avoid falls.
  • Properly fitted canes or walkers to navigate the home and outdoors can alleviate many falls and provide a sense of security for you.
  • If you or your loved one is bed bound, notify EMS in advance, in case you need to be rescued from the home. If anyone in your home uses oxygen, make sure that the plaque advising oxygen use is clearly displayed outside and, in the home, especially the room where it is mostly used. Oxygen is a fire hazard. Keep cigarettes and anything with the flame away from oxygen tubing or the tank itself

Be prepared, avoid catastrophe

A few proactive steps can mean the difference between a slight irritation and outright catastrophe.

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Purchase personal emergency response system. (Wearable emergency device)

  • These wearable devices should be water resistant and can work even in a power outage. To help you choose one, look at this article. These devices are especially useful if you live alone). In order for it to be useful, you must have access to it in the shower, anywhere in the home or out in your yard. A wearable device could save your life.

Identify at least 3 emergency contacts

  • Friends, relatives, or trusted neighbors are all potential emergency contacts. Provide them with access to your home- by giving them a spare key or the combination to a lockbox outside your home near the door.
  • In this lockbox, place a key containing a key located outside your home. Have a copy of your important information- a list of medications, allergies, medical diagnosis, any physical impairments, advance health directive paperwork, etc.

Provide clear access to your home

  • Use large reflective numbers on your mailbox or other structure so EMS can find your home.
  • Keep your driveway and path leading to your door clear of bushes and obstacles that could impair and delay rescue if needed. If you use a lockbox with combination, provide the combination in advance to your local EMS. Use the lockbox to store a layout of your home, along with other papers mentioned above.
  • Once inside the home, keep hallways and floors clear of clutter for stretchers if needed.

Have a well-stocked bug out bag ready to go

  • If you are required to evacuate your home, keep your bug-out-bag well stocked and ready to go at a moments notice. Fires, and extreme weather events can descend swiftly, leaving little time to pack. Just like any other bug-out-bag, have a basic first aid kit, and other supplies that you would normally find in any bug out bag. This includes a change of clothing, headlamp, extra water, and snacks.
  • Keep at least a weeks’ worth of medications in your pack. More is better. In fact, along with your Jase Case, Jase now offers the very affordable Jase Daily, a years’ worth of your chronic medications for emergencies. Keeping both the Jase Daily and Jase Case in your bug-out bag will ensure you won’t run out of your life saving medications.
  • If you wear glasses, use a hearing aid, or use a cane, pack an extra set of glasses or hearing aids. A collapsible cane could fit nicely in your bag.
  • Keep a laminated copy of your medications, diagnoses, allergies, a copy of durable power of attorney for healthcare.

Being prepared for emergencies can help you avoid a trip to the hospital.

With a little thought and preparation, you can eliminate potential problems before they happen.

Don’t procrastinate, get your supplies and preparations now, before an emergency strikes.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

(Part 1 of 2) What was the Carrington Event of 1859? Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications...

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month

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Fall travel abroad offers an opportunity for cooler weather, more affordable airfares, and less crowded venues. This is an ideal time to head to distant continents and enjoy fall festivals and activities this time of year before winter sets in. Whether hiking in the Alps, shopping in a boutique in France, or enjoying authentic Asian cuisine while visiting Taiwan, you don’t want your much anticipated travel plans to be interrupted by a medical emergency.

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5 tips to avoid a medical emergency disrupting your travel

The vast majority of medical emergencies are unavoidable. With a little planning you can enjoy your trip without interruptions to a clinic or hospital.

  1. Plan your activities and make a list.

As you plan your activities, check travel advisories for any recommended or required vaccinations, insect or waterborne diseases, extreme weather events, and overall safety in areas you plan to travel.

As you plan your itinerary, download apps on your phone to make your travel experience easier. From checking in on your airline app, to weather updates for the area that you will be visiting, local eateries, and events, these apps are a useful tool to help streamline your travelling experience.

  1. Enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP will help the U.S. embassy contact you and provide assistance during an emergency overseas. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. are having difficulty contacting you with urgent news while you’re traveling, they can use the information in STEP to reach you.
  2. Carry an adequate supply of your prescription medications.

 Make sure that you have at least two extra weeks’ worth (a month extra is even better, if the country allows) in case of emergency where you may be delayed returning home. Medications should be clearly labeled, with your name, what they are for(diagnosis) and include a written prescription from your health care provider. To avoid confiscation, check with the countries embassy for a list of medications allowed. If your medication isn’t allowed, talk with your healthcare provider about alternative medications that are allowed. Also, if you have a prescription for a narcotic based medication, check the International Narcotics Control Board for a regulations when traveling with controlled substances.

 If you use medical cannabis, it is advised you leave it at home. There are many international laws that could land you in jail, even if you have a prescription for it. For more information, speak with your health care provider and check out this site on laws regarding medical cannabis and travel.

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 The Jase Case is insurance against infections that would otherwise interrupt your travel plans and require a trip to an unfamiliar clinic or hospital. The case covers over 50 different infections including food poisoning, water borne diseases, urinary tract infections, strep throat, and malaria.  Round out your Jase Case with add-ons: fluconazole, for yeast infections, ondansetron for nausea, and now ivermectin, which is FDA approved for parasitic infections- common in many countries- (and it’s purported off label use), make these valuable additions to your medication stockpile.

In addition to the Jase case, carry a supply of over-the-counter medications, including antidiarrheal, laxatives, pain relievers, allergy medications, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies.

Check with your insurance provider (or check this site out for travel insurance ratings) for out of country medical coverage. Just in case you do have an emergency that can’t be handled with antibiotics or a first aid kit, you will need to have adequate insurance coverage for doctors and hospital stays.

  1. Dress appropriately for the weather, activity and climate you will encounter.

 Include appropriate footwear. It is impossible to plan for every type of weather on your way to your destination or once you arrive, but careful planning will definitely help!  If you plan on doing a lot of walking, or are venturing into the mountains for a hike, be sure to break in your shoes or hiking boots before your trip. Moleskin can really be a lifesaver, have some readily available in case of blisters or sore areas on feet. And be sure to remember your hat, it can protect you from sun and rain.

  1. Carry a dependable water bottle and filter.

(Check out this highly rated bottle and filter) And use it even at water fountains. Many stomach illnesses can be avoided by using a filtered water bottle. At restaurants in an area known for contaminated water, use your water bottle. Avoid ice cubes in these areas as these are an often-overlooked way of contamination.

Lastly, have fun, take lots of pictures and make memories! Being medically prepared will enable you to avoid unnecessary time away from your plans.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

(Part 1 of 2) What was the Carrington Event of 1859? Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications...

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

What Should Go in Your Bug Out Bag?

There are many possible scenarios where you may need to leave your home because of a natural or manmade disaster. Ideally, sheltering in place is much more preferable to bugging out. However, this isn’t always possible. If you are required to leave your home because of an emergent situation, a bug out bag can prove lifesaving.

Download our checklist to help you stock your bug out bag.

Geographical location

Do you live in the city, suburbs or country? What part of the country do you live in? Each geographical location carries its own set of unique challenges. Extreme heat, such as desert or Southern states or brutal, cold Midwest winters present their own set of challenges.

What natural disasters are your area most likely to experience?

Consider possible future scenarios that could potentially impact your bug out plans.

Some natural disasters, such as hurricanes and severe storms are usually broadcast, and you have plenty of time to plan and prepare. Others, including wildfires and earthquakes give little to no warning. In those instances, you must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

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Where would you bug out to?

Have at least 2 possible bug out locations and practice getting to them before disaster strikes. Having 2 locations and alternative routes are necessary in the event one of the routes or locations is blocked and you are unable to get to it. Know how to get both locations by foot and car. Carry laminated maps of the routes and alternative routes in your bag in case you are unable to travel the most direct route.

Be aware of downed power lines, flooding, and excessive winds. Make note of your routes and possible obstacles you may encounter. If you are unable to bug out to your desired location(s) because of weather or other dangers, seek shelter in a public building such as a school or other business until you can continue to your destination.

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Communication

Probably the most overlooked but most important (second to medical supplies and medications) is communication. A set of walkie talkies distributed between family members enables everyone to stay in touch if you are not too far apart- while gathering supplies, if someone ventures outside to check on animals, etc. The FCC has a list of radios- GMRS, Citizens Band and others and the rules of operation here. For longer range use- the ability to scan and listen to EMS channels, private citizen reports (trees down, flooding on your route, fires that recently erupted, etc.) having an amateur radio license and radio can prove lifesaving. For more information on licensing and radios check out the American Radio Relay League.

Age

How old is the person that will be carrying the bag? Even young children can carry some of their own supplies. For instance, a three-year old can be equipped with a small backpack to carry their own snacks and a small bottle of water or two and a headlamp. Teens and able-bodied adults will be able to carry gear that younger children or limited mobility members may be unable to.

Physical ability

Take realistic stock of each person in the group or family and their physical abilities. Healthy individuals should carry no more than 25 percent of their body weight.

Group members with limited mobility or other physical disabilities can be challenging. They may not be able to carry much, if any of the contents of a bug out bag. Assistive equipment such as a lightweight, collapsible hiking pole can help negotiate uneven surfaces. Blind or hearing-impaired group members present a challenge. They may not be able to see or hear sirens or alarms ordering them to evacuate. Make sure your local EMS knows that there is a person with disabilities in the home so they can go door to door if needed to evacuate. 

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Medical history

Does anyone in your group have:

  • Asthma?
  • Heart disease?
  • COPD or other obstructive disease?
  • History of stroke?
  • Diabetes?
  • Mental health/anxiety issues?
  • Dementia or other neurological disorders?

Even if their health condition is well controlled, they could be exacerbated by stress, poor air quality and even physical exertion.    

Medical needs and supplies

A well-stocked bug out bag contains high quality first aid supplies. My Medic carries first aid packs that are convenient and carry most of the basic supplies you would need in a minor emergency.

Our increasingly unstable and uncertain supply chain and current drug shortages makes it imperative that you plan for a long-term drug outage, especially if a natural or domestic disaster. Our world is rapidly changing, and we must adapt to these changes.

Be sure to have appropriate and sufficient amount of medications for every person in the group. This is in addition to any minor emergencies cuts scrapes bruises strains burns or acute illnesses that you may encounter.

Any chronic health condition can quickly become an emergency if you are dependent on medication to help manage the symptoms. Make sure that you have sufficient medications, inhalers, diabetic supplies and medications and anything else that you may need to weather the storm. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when disaster will strike.

The entire mission of Jase Medical is built upon being prepared for such emergencies. If you haven’t already, pick up your Jase Case antibiotics and Jase Daily, a years supply of chronic medications for each family member.

NOTE: If someone has received a new diagnosis and medication was prescribed, take the time to pack at least a weeks’ worth or more in their bag. This can easily be overlooked in day-to-day life.

Being prepared is peace of mind

Make sure everyone, to the best of their abilities understands and rehearses what to do in the event of emergency. This will help avoid panic and mistakes. Rehearse scenarios, and clearly communicate what to do if you must bug out. Periodically check your bag, ensuring you have everything you need in it.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

(Part 1 of 2) What was the Carrington Event of 1859? Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications...

How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Metronidazole

Metronidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It was initially developed at Rhone-Poulenc labs in France in 1959 to treat Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasitic infection. In 1962, it was discovered to be effective against both Trichomonas vaginalis  and bacterial gingivitis (bacteria). By the 1970s metronidazole was used for treatment of infections caused by gram-negative anaerobes such as bacteroides or gram-positive anaerobes such as clostridia. It is now widely used as a prophylaxis following bowel surgery to prevent infection. Metronidazole does not treat viruses or yeast infections- only bacterial and parasitic infections.

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How long does Metronidazole remain potent?

When stored in a cool, dry, and dark area away from sunlight and capped, metronidazole can retain much of its potency well past expiration date. Exposure to UV light seems to degrade metronidazole more than extreme heat or cold.

Expiration dates reflect the time during which the product is expected to remain stable, or retain its identity, strength, quality, and purity, when it is properly stored according to its labeled storage conditions. Metronidazole can be used up to a year  past expiration date; however potency is affected. Contact your care provider before starting metronidazole if using past expiration date for further guidance. Metronidazole does not become toxic, just less potent.

Metronidazole is listed in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medications for the newly released 2023 edition:

FIRST CHOICE (From WHO 2023 list)

  • Difficile infection
  • Complicated intraabdominal infections (mild to moderate)
  • Complicated intrabdominal infections (severe)
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Surgical prophylaxis
  • Trichomoniasis

SECOND CHOICE (From WHO 2023 list)

  • Complicated intraabdominal infections (mild to moderate)

Other uses include

  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Tetanus infection if no other better options are present.

How to take

Take metronidazole with food to avoid stomach upset. DO NOT consume alcohol or products containing propylene glycol  for 3 days after last metronidazole dose.  Do NOT take if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within past 2 weeks.

Side Effects

Mild side effects include (can mostly be alleviated by taking with food)

  • Vomiting nausea, diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Mouth or tongue irritation

Discontinue and contact your primary care provider if you experience the following

  • Numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet
  • Seizures
  • Hives, peeling or blistering of skin
  • Problems with coordination,
  • Difficulty speaking, confusion, or agitation
  • Signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, or stuffy nose
  • Tarry stools

Consult with your care provider before taking if you are taking any of the following:

  • Let your care provider know if you are taking any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), busulfan (Busulfex, Myleran), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), lithium (Lithobid), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)

Make your care provider aware if you currently have (or history of)

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding. Metronidazole has a pregnancy category B rating -Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. A substantial amount of metronidazole does pass into breast milk and can be passed to infant. There is some evidence that metronidazole can cause diarrhea and thrush in breastfed infants,, but studies are inconclusive. If metronidazole must be given, avoid breastfeeding foe 12-24 hours after dose.
  • Allergy to metronidazole, secnidazole (Solosec), tinidazole (Tindamax), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in metronidazole preparations.
  • Have history of Crohn’s disease, or blood, kidney, or liver disease.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

(Part 1 of 2) What was the Carrington Event of 1859? Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications...