Metronidazole (Vaginal)

Brand Names : Flagyl, Nidagel, MetroGel-Vaginal

Proper Use of This Medicine

Wash your hands before and after using the medicine . Also, keep the medicine out of your eyes.

If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out immediately, but carefully, with large amounts of tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

Vaginal metronidazole products usually come with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine.

Use vaginal metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor.

• To fill the applicator
  • For cream or gel dosage forms:
    • 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.
    • Squeeze the medicine into the applicator slowly until it is full.
    • Remove the applicator from the tube. Replace the cap on the tube.
  • For vaginal tablet dosage form:
    • Place the vaginal tablet into the applicator. Wet the vaginal tablet with water for a few seconds.
• To insert vaginal metronidazole using the applicator
  • For all dosage forms:
    • Relax while lying on your back with your knees bent.
    • Hold the full applicator in one hand. Insert it slowly into the vagina. Stop before it becomes uncomfortable.
    • Slowly press the plunger until it stops.
    • Withdraw the applicator. The medicine will be left behind in the vagina.
• To care for the applicator
  • For all dosage forms:
    • Clean the applicator after use by pulling the plunger out of the applicator and washing both parts completely in warm soapy water.
    • Rinse well.
    • After drying the applicator, replace the plunger.

To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses . Also, continue using this medicine even if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment .

Dosing - The dose of vaginal metronidazole will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of vaginal metronidazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For vaginal cream dosage form:
  • For bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis:
    • Adults and teenagers - One applicatorful (500 milligrams [mg]), inserted into the vagina. Use the medicine one or two times a day for ten or twenty days.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For vaginal gel dosage form:
  • For bacterial vaginosis:
    • Adults and teenagers - One applicatorful (37.5 mg), inserted into the vagina one or two times a day for five days.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For vaginal tablets dosage form:
  • For bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis:
    • Adults and teenagers - One 500-mg tablet, inserted high into the vagina. Use the medicine once a day in the evening for ten or twenty days.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the vaginal tablets in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.