This medication is used to treat certain types of
bacterial infections in the vagina. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that
works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Read the Instructions for Use that come with this
product before you start using this medication. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This product is for vaginal use only. Use as directed by
your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If using once daily, use the
medication at bedtime. Wash your hands before and after use. Fill the
applicator with the medication. Insert the applicator high into the vagina
and press the plunger to release the medication.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If it gets
into your eyes, rinse them with cool water. Call your doctor if eye
irritation lasts.
Continue to use this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
after several days or if it gets worse.
Stomach discomfort, headache, or dizziness may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Vaginal discomfort/itching/discharge may occur or
worsen. These symptoms may be due to a new vaginal infection (such as a
yeast/fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice a change in
vaginal discharge or other new vaginal symptoms.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Stop using this medication and get medical help right
away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever that doesn't go away
- new or worsening lymph node swelling
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using metronidazole, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other nitroimidazole
antibiotics (such as tinidazole); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients (such as paraben preservatives),
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- nervous system disorders (such as seizures, numbness/tingling
of the hands/feet)
- liver disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Do not drink alcohol while using this medication and for
at least 24 hours after stopping this medication. Drinking alcohol while
using this medication may cause stomach cramps, flushing, nausea, vomiting,
and headache.
Do not have vaginal sex or use tampons or douches while
using this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Antibiotics taken by mouth have been used to treat
vaginal infections during pregnancy, especially high-risk pregnancies (for
example, if there is a risk of early childbirth). Consult your doctor for
more details and to discuss the risks and benefits.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also Precautions section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Do not use this medication if you have taken disulfiram
within the last 2 weeks.
Do not take products containing alcohol or propylene
glycol while using this medication and for at least 24 hours after stopping
this medication. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.