METRONIDAZOLE (me troe NI da zole) treats infections caused by too much bacteria in the vagina. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat yeast infections or infections caused by viruses.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Cockayne syndrome
History of blood diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, anemia, or leukemia
History of yeast infection
Frequently drink alcohol
Liver disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, parabens, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is only for use in the vagina. Do not take by mouth or apply to other areas of the body. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Screw the applicator to the tube and squeeze the tube gently to fill the applicator. Lie on your back, part and bend your knees. Insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the gel into the vagina. Gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals. Finish the full course prescribed by your care team even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication maybe prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Alcohol or any product containing alcohol
Cisapride
Disulfiram
Dronedarone
Pimozide
Thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
Amiodarone
Busulfan
Carbamazepine
Cimetidine
Cyclosporine
Estrogen or progestin hormones
Fluorouracil
Lithium
Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes, such as dofetilide, ziprasidone
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Quinidine
Tacrolimus
Vecuronium
Warfarin
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, which may be signs of meningitis
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Seizures
Severe diarrhea, fever
Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Headache
Irritation at application site
Nausea
Stomach pain
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain alcohol. Metronidazole can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your partner may also need treatment.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
