Metronidazole and a Black hairy tongue- ewww

Metronidazole- is an antibiotic often prescribed to treat people and animals with Giardia. I went out to read about the drug while deciding when to take it- (before I return or after I come home from Ethiopia- knowing that another treatment on arriving home will be likely). Loving Wikipedia- I just had to go out and review what was written on it-before persuing a more reliable resource..

"High doses and/or long-term systemic treatment with metronidazole is associated with the development of black hairy tongue, leukopenia, neutropenia, increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and/or CNS toxicity."

I seriously began to think-Hey, I can continue to live "a-symptomatic with Giardia"-but a black hairy tongue- now I can't live with that! NO Way. I don't care how "temporary said condition is"! Call me shallow-but ewwwww!

The Mayo Clinic says the following about "Black Hairy Tongue" but I still think it sounds disgusting:

"A black, hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless condition" (*harmless provided that you can hide in your house through entire treatment I'm guessing-laugh)..

"It typically results from an overgrowth of bacteria — and sometimes yeast — in the mouth. These organisms accumulate on the tiny projections of the tongue — called papillae — and cause discoloration. Certain types of bacteria and yeast make red blood cell pigments (porphyrins) that can give the tongue a black appearance. In some cases, the tongue may also appear "hairy" due to more rapid growth of papillae or an interruption of the normal shedding of cells by the tongue."

My oh my how the joys of travel...sometimes continue even when you've been home awhile-laugh. (please note the picture is not of my tongue- my tongue is still a nice pink color)..