Metronidazole (Vaginal)

Introduction:

Metronidazole (met-roe-NYE-da-zole)

Treats vaginal infections caused by certain kinds of bacteria.

Brand Name(s):

Vandazole, Metrogel-Vaginal, Metrogel, MetroGel-Vaginal

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Keep using the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.
• This medicine is only to be used in the vagina.
• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
• Do not get the medicine in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water. Tell your doctor if eye redness or eye pain does not go away.
• The gel is in a tube. You will use an applicator to put the gel into your vagina. The applicator is a plastic tube called a barrel that is open at one end and has a plunger (another piece of plastic that can move inside the barrel) at the other end.
• Take the cap off of the tube, and screw the applicator onto the tube.
• Squeeze the gel from the tube into the applicator until the barrel is filled.
• Unscrew the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube.
• Lie on your back with your knees bent. Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Push the plunger all the way in.
• Remove the applicator from your vagina. Take the applicator apart and wash all parts in soapy water. Rinse well and dry.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the medicine as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• Do not put in two doses (twice the regular amount) at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the gel at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Drinking alcohol while using this medicine may cause vomiting, dizziness, flushing, or other serious reactions. Do not drink alcohol while you are being treated with metronidazole and for at least 1 day after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that may contain alcohol such as some cough syrups, elixirs, and liquid cold medicines.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood thinner such as Coumadin®.
• You should not use this medicine if you are using disulfiram (Antabuse®) or have used disulfiram within the last 2 weeks.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have liver disease, seizures or other nerve disorders, or a blood disorder.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Do not have sex while you are being treated with this medicine. Some vaginal infections are spread during sex. To keep from passing the infection back and forth, your partner may also need to have treatment for the infection.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Sharp stomach cramps or pain
• Skin rash or hives
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Numbness, pain, or tingling in hands or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Thick white vaginal discharge
• A burning feeling when you urinate or having to urinate more often
• Nausea
• Vaginal itching or burning
• Unusual or metallic taste, dry mouth
• Headache, dizziness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: