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Metronidazole vaginal

Generic name: Metronidazole vaginal (METr-NOE-DA-ZOLE)
Trade names: Nuvessa and Vandazole
Form of dosage: Vaginal Gel with Applicator (0.75% or 1.3%)
Classification of drugs: Anti-rosacea topical agents Vaginal antiseptics

What is Metronidazole vaginal?

Metronidazole vaginal is an antibacterial used for treating vaginal infections that are caused by bacteria. Metronidazole should not be used to treat conditions that have not been examined by your physician. Metronidazole for vaginal use is not limited to the indications listed in this guide.

Side effects of Metronidazole vaginal

If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, itching or warmth, or joint pain (as well as a stuffy or dry nose, difficulty breathing, or swelling), or an extreme skin reaction (such as rashes, blisters, or burning eyes), seek emergency medical attention.

Some of the rare but severe side effects may include:

  • Seizure (convulsions);
  • You may experience numbness or burning in the hands and feet.

If you notice any new symptoms or if they worsen, call your doctor immediately.

Side effects associated with metronidazole vaginal include:

  • Vaginal discharge or itching
  • Menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding are symptoms of menstrual discomfort.
  • Breast pain
  • Headache;
  • Rash, itching;
  • Stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea;
  • Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Metronidazole should be avoided if the last 2 weeks have seen you taking disulfiram or antabuse. Avoid alcohol, foods, and medicines containing propylene glycol during the time you use metronidazole. This should continue for 3 days following your last dose.

Before you take this drug

Metronidazole should not be used vaginally if the user is allergic to metronidazole, secnidazole, tinidazole, or:

  • You are allergic to polyethylene glycol or parabens.
  • You recently consumed alcohol.
  • You took Antabuse (disulfiram) in the last 14 days.

If you've ever:

  • Nervous disorders
  • A seizure;
  • Raynaud syndrome,

Inform your doctor immediately of your pregnancy to avoid potential harm to an unborn baby. Do not use metronidazole within 48 hours of using a pump. Throw away any collected milk. Don't feed your baby. Metronidazole is not recommended for girls younger than 12 or those who are not yet menstruating.

How to take Metronidazole vaginally?

Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication, as well as those found on its prescription label. This medicine should be taken at night. Metronidazole is usually given in a single dose. You may need to take the medication for five consecutive nights. Don't forget to adhere to your doctor's orders! Metronidazole is not to be taken orally. Only use it in the vagina. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, consult your pharmacist or doctor. Wash your vaginal region gently before you apply the medication. Hands should be washed before handling medicine tubes or vaginal application devices. Use the provided applicator to insert the medication directly into the vagina. The applicator provided is disposable and only for single use. As a precaution, you may use a sanitary towel during the treatment. However, do not use any tampons. Use a tampon or any other vaginal product while taking metronidazole. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for as long as it is prescribed. You can get infections if you skip doses.

If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms. Tell your doctor that you are using metronidazole vaginal. Inform any doctors who treat you about your use of metronidazole vaginal. Metronidazole for vaginal use will not cure a vaginal yeast infection. It is possible that you may develop another vaginal infection that will require antifungal treatment. If you experience symptoms like itching or discharge, tell your doctor. Keep away from heat or moisture. Store at room temperature, away from moisture or heat sources.

Details on dosage

Adult dosage for Acne Rosacea:
Topical Gel or Cream 1%: Rub a thin layer of cream over the affected areas once daily.
Topical Lotion, Cream, or Gel 0.75%: Rub a thin, even layer on the affected areas twice daily (morning and night).
Comments:
Prior to applying this medication, the area to be treated must be cleaned with a gentle or mild cleanser.
After using this medication, patients may apply cosmetics.
Cosmetics should not be used until the skin has dried (at least five minutes).
Uses:
Topical treatment for rosacea papules, pustules, and inflammatory papules
Topical cream 1%: To treat rosacea erythema and inflammation lesions.
Topical Gel 1%: To treat rosacea lesions.
Adult dose for bacterial vaginosis:
Use 1 applicatorful of 1.3% vaginal gel intravaginally, once before bedtime.
Vaginal gel 0.75%: Apply 1 applicatorful intravaginally twice daily for five days.
Vandazole: Inject 1 applicatorful into the vaginal canal once daily at night for five days.
Use: To treat bacterial vaginitis
-Vandazole in nonpregnant females
The usual pediatric dose for bacterial vaginosis is:
Vaginal Gel: 1.3%
Inject 1 applicatorful into the vaginal canal once before bedtime.
Vandazole (0.75 % vaginal gel)
Postmenstrual women: Inject 1 applicatorful into the vaginal canal once daily at night for five days.
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis
-Vandazole in nonpregnant females

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of any medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Metronidazole overdoses are not harmful; if anyone accidentally swallows this medication, seek emergency medical assistance or contact the Poison Help Line immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Do not drink alcohol or consume foods or products that contain propylene or alcohol while you use metronidazole. Alcohol can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, as well as stomach cramps. It may also make you feel warm or tingly under the skin. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers and cotton. Avoid tight-fitting synthetic clothing, such as nylon pants or underwear. Wear loose clothing, such as cotton or other natural fibers, until the infection has healed. Contact with the eye can result in irritation or burning. If this happens, wash your eyes thoroughly and contact your doctor. Do not use other vaginal medicines unless you are told to by your doctor. You should not have sex before your infection is completely treated.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:

  • Lithium;
  • Blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven)

The list below is not exhaustive. Metronidazole may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.