Type of medicine: antifungal
Generic and brand names: metronidazole, vaginal; MetroGel-Vaginal; Vandazole
This medicine is used to treat infections in the vagina caused by bacteria.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Wear a sanitary napkin to protect your clothing, and wear loose-fitting cotton underwear while you are using this medicine. If you use the medicine only once a day, use it at bedtime.
This medicine comes in different forms. If you have the cream form, wash your hands before and after using this medicine. The medicine is in a tube. Take the cap off the tube and screw the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the medicine into the applicator slowly until the applicator is full. Remove the applicator from the tube. Put the cap back on the tube.
The tablet form of this medicine is to be used in the vagina. Do not take the tablet form by mouth.
Use the applicator to put the correct amount of medicine into your vagina. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold the full applicator in one hand. Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Slowly press the plunger until it stops. Withdraw the applicator. The medicine will be left behind in the vagina.
Wash the applicator with soap and water after every use, rinsing and drying it well.
If you have the suppository form of this medicine, insert it into the vagina at bedtime.
Use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if your infection seems to improve.
Follow the instructions that come in the medicine package. If you do not understand how to use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop diarrhea, burning or irritation of the vagina, or a lot of vaginal discharge. Also contact your provider if your condition does not improve in 3 to 7 days.
Do not get any of the medicine into your eyes because it can be very irritating. If the medicine gets into your eyes, flush them with plenty of cool water.
Sexual intercourse can cause reinfection. This medicine may damage the latex of a diaphragm, cervical cap, or condom. It may be best to avoid intercourse while you are using this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Use this medicine continuously for as long as prescribed, even during your period. Do not use tampons while you are using this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Alcohol can cause unpleasant reactions while you are using this medicine.
Do not use other medicines in the vagina unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Worsening vaginal irritation, burning, or pain; skin rash; increased vaginal discharge or foul-smelling discharge; severe stomach or pelvic pain; unexplained fever.
Other: Stomach pain, increased urination, bloating, nausea, bad taste, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, itching, loss of appetite.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
