Metronidazole

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine, when taken by mouth, is used to treat a variety of infections.
• As a skin cream or gel it is used to treat acne rosacea. It may take 3-9 weeks to see full benefit.
• As a gel, it is used to treat vaginal infections.

How does it work?

• Metronidazole causes death of the cells causing the infection.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take entire prescription as directed even if feeling better.

Oral:

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes stomach upset.
• Do not take antacids with this medicine.

Skin:

• For skin only. Do not take by mouth. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected area before use.
• Use a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in gently.

Vaginal:

• Use gel vaginally only.
• Do not have sexual intercourse while using this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid all alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can cause a bad reaction.
• This could include flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or rapid heartbeat. Do not take alcohol for at least 24 hours after the last dose.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Birth control pills may not work. Use another form of birth control while on this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

Oral:

• Tell healthcare provider if on phenytoin, phenobarbital, warfarin, lithium, or cimetidine.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Lightheadedness or dizziness. Use caution when driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
• Headaches. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Not hungry or change in taste. Food may have a metal-like taste.
• Can change urine to black or dark brown.

Skin:

• Redness, dryness, burning, or irritation.

What should I monitor?

• Condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same.

Oral:

• Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection if you are being treated for an active infection.
• If on warfarin, get INR checked within 1 week.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Numbness or pain of the hands or feet.
• Any rash.
• Worsening of condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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