Metronidazole Vaginal gel

What is this medicine?

METRONIDAZOLE (me troe NI da zole) VAGINAL GEL is an antiinfective. It is used to treat bacterial vaginitis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you drink alcohol containing drinks
• if you have taken disulfiram in the past two weeks
• liver disease
• peripheral neuropathy
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, parabens, nitroimidazoles, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the vagina. Do not take by mouth or apply to other areas of the body. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Screw the applicator to the tube and squeeze the tube gently to fill the applicator. Lie on your back, part and bend your knees. Insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the gel into the vagina. Gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol or any product that contains alcohol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine
• lithium
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in 2 or 3 days.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine and for three days afterwards. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin. Do not use tampons. Wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.

Do not have sex until you have finished your treatment. Having sex can make the treatment less effective. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• dizziness
• frequent passing of urine
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain or cramps
• vaginal irritation or discharge
• vulvar burning or swelling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dark urine
• mild vaginal burning

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.