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metronidazole vaginal

metronidazole vaginal

Pronunciation: MET roe NYE da zole

Brand: MetroGel-Vaginal, Nuvessa, Vandazole

What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole vaginal?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is metronidazole vaginal?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Metronidazole vaginal (for use in the vagina) is used to treat vaginal infections caused by bacteria.

Metronidazole vaginal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using metronidazole vaginal?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to metronidazole, or if:

  • you are allergic to parabens or polyethylene glycol;
  • you recently drank alcohol; or
  • you took disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • nerve problems;
  • a seizure; or
  • peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not breast-feed within 48 hours after using this medicine. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

Metronidazole vaginal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use metronidazole vaginal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use this medicine at bedtime.

Metronidazole vaginal is often given as a single dose. However, you might need to use the medicine for 5 nights in a row. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not take metronidazole vaginal by mouth. It is for use only in the vagina.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Gently wash your vaginal area before applying the medicine. Wash your hands before and after handling the medicine tube or vaginal applicator.

Insert the medicine directly into your vagina using the applicator provided.

You may need to use a sanitary napkin during treatment, but do not use a tampon. Do not use a douche or other vaginal product while using metronidazole vaginal.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using metronidazole vaginal.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Metronidazole vaginal will not treat a vaginal yeast infection. You may even develop a new vaginal yeast infection after using this medicine. Watch for symptoms such as itching or discharge during or after treatment with metronidazole vaginal.

Store at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of metronidazole vaginal is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using metronidazole vaginal?

While you are using this medicine and for 24 hours after your last dose: Avoid drinking alcohol or consuming foods or other products that contain alcohol or propylene glycol. Check the ingredient label of all foods and beverages you consume.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing such as nylon underwear or panty hose that does not allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until your infection is healed.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid having sex until your vaginal infection has been completely treated.

What are the possible side effects of metronidazole vaginal?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rare but serious side effects may include:

  • seizure (convulsions); or
  • numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet.

Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening vaginal symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

  • vaginal itching or discharge;
  • menstrual pain;
  • breast pain;
  • headache;
  • rash;
  • nausea, diarrhea; or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect metronidazole vaginal?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • lithium; or
  • a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect metronidazole vaginal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metronidazole vaginal.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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