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

Treats vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

MetroGel-Vaginal, Nuvessa, Vandazole

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or skin. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out right away with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.
• Nuvessa®:
  • Remove the pre-filled applicator and plunger from the package.
  • Push the tip of the plunger into the open end of the applicator with the pink cap on.
  • Pull the pink cap off the pre-filled applicator.
  • Lie on your back with knees bent or in any comfortable position. Hold the applicator and slowly insert the tip into your vagina as far as it will go.
  • Slowly push the plunger until it stops to release all the gel.
  • Remove the pre-filled applicator from your vagina. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.
• Vandazole®:
  • 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 break the metal seal at the opening of the tube by using the point on the top of the cap.
  • Screw the applicator onto the tube and squeeze the gel from the tube into the applicator slowly until the barrel is filled.
  • Unscrew the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube.
  • Lie on your back with knees bent or in any comfortable position. Hold the filled applicator and slowly insert the tip into your vagina as far as it will go.
  • Slowly push the plunger until it stops to release all the gel.
  • Remove the applicator from your vagina. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or use medicine that contains alcohol or propylene glycol while using this medicine and for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how metronidazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine, lithium, or a blood thinner (including warfarin).
• Avoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, blood problems, nerve problems, eye or vision problems, or seizures.
• Your doctor may tell you to stop breastfeeding, and pump and discard your breast milk during treatment and for 48 hours after the last dose.
• This medicine may cause brain or nervous system problems, including peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, seizures, meningitis, or vision problems.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• 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.
• This medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.
• Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Seizures
• Sharp stomach cramps or pain
• Vaginal burning, itching, pain, discomfort, or discharge

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

• Diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea
• Headache, dizziness
• Pain or tenderness of the breasts
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Unusual or metallic taste, dry mouth

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088