What is metronidazole vaginal?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Metronidazole vaginal is used to treat vaginal infections caused by bacteria.
Metronidazole vaginal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metronidazole vaginal?
Do not use metronidazole vaginal if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Before using metronidazole vaginal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if
you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use metronidazole vaginal.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Metronidazole vaginal may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do
not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take metronidazole vaginal?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Insert the cream into your vagina using the applicator as directed.
Your medication may come with disposable applicators. Use each applicator for only 1
day and then throw it away. If you use the medication twice daily, wash and rinse the applicator
after your morning dose and use it again for your evening dose. Then throw it away and use a
new applicator the next day.
Use metronidazole vaginal for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor, even
during your menstrual period. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely
treated.
If the infection does not clear up after you have finished one course of therapy, or if
your symptoms get worse, see your doctor. You may have another type of infection that
metronidazole will not treat.
You may need to use a sanitary napkin during treatment, but
do not use a
tampon
.
Metronidazole vaginal can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests.
Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.
Store metronidazole vaginal at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Do
not allow it to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of metronidazole vaginal?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about metronidazole vaginal?
Your pharmacist has information about metronidazole vaginal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of metronidazole vaginal?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty 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.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild burning or stinging when the medication is applied;
-
pelvic pain or cramps;
-
loss of appetite, constipation, upset stomach, vomiting;
-
dizziness, sleep problems (insomnia);
-
runny nose;
-
urinating more than usual;
-
acne, increased sweating; or
-
breast discharge or enlargement.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole vaginal?
Do not use metronidazole vaginal if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Before using metronidazole vaginal, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a seizure
disorder, problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome), or if you have taken
disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days.
Avoid having sex until your vaginal infection has been completely treated and you have
finished using the medication.
Avoid using other vaginal creams or douches at the same time as metronidazole vaginal
unless your doctor approves.
Use metronidazole vaginal for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor,
even during your menstrual period. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is
completely treated.
If the infection does not clear up after you have finished one course of therapy, or if
your symptoms get worse, see your doctor. You may have another type of infection that
metronidazole will not treat.
What should I avoid while taking metronidazole vaginal?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get into any of
these areas, rinse with plenty of cool water.
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 having sex until your vaginal infection has been completely treated and you have
finished using the medication.
Avoid using other vaginal creams or douches at the same time as metronidazole vaginal
unless your doctor approves.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using metronidazole vaginal.
What other drugs will affect metronidazole vaginal?
Tell your doctor if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days. Also
tell your doctor if you are using:
-
cimetidine (Tagamet);
-
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate); or
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
There may be other drugs that can interact with metronidazole vaginal.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of metronidazole vaginal?
