Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
-
have liver disease,
-
have seizures or epilepsy,
-
have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the last 14 days, or
-
have any other serious illness.
You may not be able to use metronidazole vaginal, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Metronidazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may have special instructions for use of this medication during pregnancy. Do not use metronidazole vaginal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether metronidazole passes into breast milk. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Use metronidazole vaginal exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Use this medication continuously for the prescribed amount of time, even during your menstrual period.
You can use a sanitary napkin to prevent the medication from staining your clothing, but do not use a tampon.
Use metronidazole vaginal for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated.
If the infection does not clear up after you have finished one course of therapy, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor. You may have another type of infection.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this happens, rinse the area with water.
Store metronidazole vaginal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose.
Stop using metronidazole vaginal and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use metronidazole vaginal and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
vaginal burning, itching, or irritation;
-
nausea or decreased appetite;
-
a bad taste in your mouth;
-
abdominal pain, cramping, or diarrhea;
-
dizziness; or
-
headache.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as pantyhose) that does not allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. This combination can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (e.g., pantyhose) that does not allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is cleared up.
Avoid sexual intercourse while using metronidazole vaginal to prevent the infection from spreading to your partner. The medication may damage a latex condom.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. This combination can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Avoid using other vaginal creams or douches at the same time as metronidazole vaginal unless your doctor approves.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with metronidazole vaginal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter medicines.
An overdose of metronidazole vaginal is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used or that metronidazole vaginal has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.