Metronidazole extended-release tablets
What are metronidazole extended-release tablets?
METRONIDAZOLE (Flagyl® ER) kills or prevents the growth of certain bacteria and protozoa (single cell organisms). Metronidazole extended-release tablets are used to treat an infection of the vagina called bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole is also used to treat other types of infections. Generic extended-release tablets of metronidazole are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take metronidazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
if you drink alcoholic beverages
-
anemia or other blood disorders
-
liver disease
-
disease of the nervous system
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take metronidazole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.
If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood checks.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking metronidazole and for three days afterwards. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed. Drinking alcohol while you are taking metronidazole may also give you headaches or stomach pains.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metronidazole affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
If you are being treated for an infection of your sex organs, your sexual partner may also need treatment. You can use a condom to stop reinfection of you or your sexual partner.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using metronidazole.
What side effects may I notice from taking metronidazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
-
clumsiness, dizziness, or unsteadiness
-
fever or chills, sore throat
-
numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
skin rash, itching
-
vomiting or severe stomach pain
More common:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
dark brown or reddish urine
-
diarrhea
-
dry mouth
-
food tasting unusual or like metal
-
headache
-
loss of appetite
-
nausea
-
mild stomach pain or cramps
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Metronidazole injection
What is metronidazole injection?
METRONIDAZOLE (Flagyl®) is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent. It kills or prevents the growth of certain bacteria and protozoa (single cell animals). Metronidazole treats infections of the skin, central nervous system, bones and joints, respiratory tract, abdomen, gynecologic and vaginal infections (including trichomoniasis), and intestinal infections (including dysentery). Generic metronidazole injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive metronidazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
if you drink alcoholic beverages
-
anemia or other blood disorders
-
liver disease
-
disease of the nervous system
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Metronidazole is for injection or infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use your doses at regular intervals.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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 drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.
If you are using this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood checks.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are using metronidazole and for two days afterwards. Alcohol may make you dizzy, feel sick, and flushed; give you headaches and stomach pains.
Metronidazole can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metronidazole affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
If you are being treated for an infection of your sex organs, your sexual partner may also need treatment. You can use a condom to stop reinfection of you or your sexual partner.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using metronidazole.
What side effects may I notice from receiving metronidazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
clumsiness, unsteadiness
-
fever or chills, sore throat
-
headache
-
numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet
-
pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
skin rash, itching
-
unusual tiredness or weakness
-
vaginal irritation or discharge
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store ready to use injection at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Use diluted, neutralized solutions within 24 hours. Do not refrigerate neutralized solutions.
Metronidazole skin gel, cream, or lotion
What is metronidazole skin gel, cream, or lotion?
METRONIDAZOLE (Metrogel®, MetroCream®, MetroLotion™, Noritate™) is an antibacterial agent. It kills or prevents the growth of certain bacteria. Metronidazole treats rosacea, also known as adult acne. It reduces redness and inflammation, and the number of pimples. Generic metronidazole gel and lotion are not available. Generic metronidazole cream is available.
What should my health care professional know before I use metronidazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
if you drink alcoholic beverages
-
anemia or other blood disorders
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Metronidazole skin gel, cream or lotion is for external use only. Do not take by mouth or use in the vagina. It must not be used in or near the eyes. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash the affected area with mild soap and water; pat dry before applying the gel or cream. Apply a small amount of gel, cream or lotion to the affected area and rub gently. Wash hands before and after application. Use at regular intervals. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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 drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?
Interactions with this skin gel, cream, or lotion are unlikely. Caution should be taken with:
Do not use any other skin products without telling your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your skin does not improve in 3 weeks. Further healing can take up to 12 weeks.
Do not get the gel, cream or lotion in or near your eyes; if you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.
You can use makeup while using this medicine. Only use water-based products and apply lightly. You may also be able to use sunscreens or moisturizers, ask your prescriber. Wait at least 5 minutes after applying the metronidazole before applying any of these additional products.
What side effects may I notice from using metronidazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects recorded include (report to your prescriber or health care professional if these continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Metronidazole tablets or capsules
What are metronidazole tablets or capsules?
METRONIDAZOLE (Flagyl®) kills or prevents the growth of certain bacteria and protozoa (single cell animals). Metronidazole treats infections of the skin, central nervous system, bones and joints, respiratory tract, abdomen, gynecologic and vaginal infections (including trichomoniasis), and intestinal infections (including dysentery). Generic metronidazole tablets and capsules are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take metronidazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
if you drink alcoholic beverages
-
anemia or other blood disorders
-
liver disease
-
disease of the nervous system
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take metronidazole tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water. You can take this medicine with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.
If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood checks.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking metronidazole and for 3 days afterwards. Alcohol may make you dizzy, feel sick, and flushed; give you headaches and stomach pains.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metronidazole affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
If you are being treated for an infection of your sex organs, your sexual partner may also need treatment. You can use a condom to stop reinfection of you or your sexual partner.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using metronidazole.
What side effects may I notice from taking metronidazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
-
clumsiness, dizziness, or unsteadiness
-
fever or chills, sore throat
-
numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
skin rash, itching
-
vomiting or severe stomach pain
More common:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
dark brown or reddish urine
-
diarrhea
-
dry mouth
-
food tasting unusual or like metal
-
headache
-
loss of appetite
-
nausea
-
mild stomach pain or cramps
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Metronidazole vaginal gel
What is metronidazole vaginal gel?
METRONIDAZOLE (Metrogel-Vaginal®) is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent. It kills or prevents the growth of certain bacteria. Metronidazole vaginal gel treats bacterial vaginitis, an infection of the vagina. Generic metronidazole vaginal gel is not available.
What should my health care professional know before I use metronidazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
if you drink alcoholic beverages
-
anemia or other blood disorders
-
liver disease
-
other chronic illness
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Metronidazole vaginal gel 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 prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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 drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?
Interactions with this intravaginal gel are unlikely. Caution should be taken with:
Do not use any other vaginal products without telling your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metronidazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are using metronidazole and for 3 days afterwards. Alcohol may make you dizzy, feel sick, and flushed; give you headaches and stomach pains.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metronidazole affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge, You can wear a sanitary napkin; do not use tampons. Wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.
Do not have sex until you have finished your treatment. Having sex can make the treatment less effective. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.
What side effects may I notice from using metronidazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects recorded include:
-
dizziness
-
frequent passing of urine
-
headache
-
loss of appetite
-
nausea
-
skin rash, itching
-
stomach pain or cramps
-
vaginal irritation or discharge
-
vulvar burning or swelling
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.