* Generic Name: metronidazole
* Brand Name: Flagyl
* What is metronidazole?
* What are the possible side effects of metronidazole?
* What is the most important information I should know about
metronidazole?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
metronidazole?
* How should I take metronidazole?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking metronidazole?
* What other drugs will affect metronidazole?
* Where can I get more information?
What is metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina,
stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain, and respiratory tract.
Metronidazole will not treat a vaginal yeast infection.
Metronidazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of metronidazole?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
* trouble sleeping, depression, irritability;
* headache, dizziness, weakness;
* a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out); or
* blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble
swallowing.
Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have
neurologic side effects (more likely to occur while taking
metronidazole long term):
* numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
* vision problems, pain behind your eyes, seeing flashes of light;
* muscle weakness, problems with coordination;
* trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you;
* a seizure; or
* fever, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to light.
Metronidazole can cause life-threatening liver problems in people with
Cockayne syndrome. If you have this condition, stop taking
metronidazole and contact your doctor if you have signs of liver
failure--nausea, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine,
clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
* nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
* diarrhea, constipation;
* unpleasant metallic taste;
* rash, itching;
* vaginal itching or discharge;
* mouth sores; or
* swollen, red, or "hairy" tongue.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole?
You should not use metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram
(Antabuse) within the past 2 weeks.
Do not drink alcohol or consume foods or medicines that contain
propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole and for at least 3
days after you stop taking it.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
metronidazole?
You should not take metronidazole if you are allergic to it, or if you
have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 2 weeks.
Using metronidazole during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using
this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
* liver or kidney disease;
* Cockayne syndrome (a rare genetic disorder);
* a stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn's disease;
* a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood
cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
* a fungal infection anywhere in your body; or
* a nerve disorder.
In animal studies, metronidazole caused certain types of tumors, some
of which were cancerous. However, very high doses are used in animal
studies. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people
using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Metronidazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
You should not breast-feed within 24 hours after using metronidazole.
If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you
collect. Do not feed it to your baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take metronidazole?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
whole.
If you are treating a vaginal infection, your sexual partner may also
need to take metronidazole (even if no symptoms are present) or you
could become reinfected.
Metronidazole is usually given for up to 10 days in a row. You may need
to repeat this dosage several weeks later.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
antibiotics. Metronidazole will not treat a viral infection such as
the flu or a common cold.
Metronidazole can cause unusual results with certain medical tests.
Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of
balance or coordination, numbness and tingling, or seizures
(convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking metronidazole?
Do not drink alcohol or consume food or medicines that contain
propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole. You may have
unpleasant side effects such as headaches, stomach cramps, nausea,
vomiting, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
Avoid alcohol or propylene glycol for at least 3 days after you stop
taking metronidazole. Check the labels of any medicines or food
products you use to make sure they do not contain alcohol or propylene
glycol.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your
doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you
to.
What other drugs will affect metronidazole?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time.
Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which
may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
* busulfan;
* lithium; or
* a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect metronidazole,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about metronidazole.
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