Metronidazole

Metronidazole

(me troe NI da zole)

U.S. Brand Names

Flagyl®; Flagyl® 375; Flagyl® ER; MetroCream®; MetroGel-Vaginal®; MetroGel®; MetroLotion®; Noritate®; Vandazole®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Metronidazole®; Flagyl®; Florazole® ER; MetroCream®; Metrogel®; Nidagel™; Noritate®; Trikacide

Mexican Brand Names

Amebidal; Elyzol-S; Epaq; Flagenase; Flagyl; MetroCream; MetroGel; Otrozol; Vertisal

Pharmacologic Category

Amebicide; Antibiotic, Miscellaneous; Antibiotic, Topical; Antiprotozoal, Nitroimidazole

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Metronidazole has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats. Talk with healthcare provider.

This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to metronidazole or any other part of this medicine.

• 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulcers caused by infection.

• This medicine is used to treat acne rosacea. It may take 2 months to see the full effect.

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

• This medicine is used to treat vaginal infections.

How does it work?

• Metronidazole works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

All forms:

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

Oral:

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take long-acting products on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Skin:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

Vaginal:

• Use gel vaginally.

• Do not have sexual intercourse while using this medicine.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Do not take alcohol for at least 24 hours after the last dose. Drinking alcohol or alcohol containing products such as cough syrup may cause cramps, nausea, headaches, and flushing.

• Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work to prevent pregnancy. Use another form of birth control while taking this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

All forms:

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

• Headache.

• Not hungry.

• Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.

• Change in color of urine to black or brown.

Skin:

• Skin irritation.

What should I monitor?

All forms:

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Oral:

• If you are taking a blood thinner, check blood work (prothrombin time/INR). Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness.

• Difficulty speaking.

• Severe diarrhea, even after medicine is stopped.

• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Follow directions for storage of injection. Talk with healthcare provider.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:14:40.0

Modified: 2009-09-21 08:31:19.0

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