Metronidazole is a generic prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of infections. Metronidazole is also available as the brand-name drugs Flagyl, MetroCream, and many others. This article gives details on metronidazole and its cost, prices with and without insurance, and more.

Metronidazole is used in adults to treat certain types of parasitic and bacterial infections, including:

Metronidazole can also be used in some children, but only for the treatment of amebiasis.

This drug is available as oral tablets and capsules, liquid for infusion, gels, creams, and lotions.

For more information on metronidazole, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for metronidazole can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for metronidazole, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Below are answers to some common questions about metronidazole and cost.

Does the strength of metronidazole affect its pricing? For example, do 500-mg tablets cost more than 250-mg tablets?

It’s possible. Depending on your insurance plan and coverage, the price of metronidazole may vary based on the strength your doctor prescribes.

For specifics about the cost of different doses of this drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. For other ways you can save on your prescription, see “Can I get help paying for metronidazole?” below.

Why are metronidazole gel and cream more expensive than other forms of metronidazole?

Often, metronidazole creams and gels cost more due to their added ingredients and packaging. Creams and gels can only be prescribed as an entire tube or jar. Tablets and capsules usually come in larger containers and are divided up into many prescriptions.

How much does metronidazole cost without insurance?

Metronidazole will likely cost more without insurance than with insurance. Other factors may include the quantity, strength, and type of metronidazole your doctor prescribes.

Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider if you have questions about the cost of your metronidazole. If you need help paying for this drug, see “Can I get help paying for metronidazole?” below.

Metronidazole comes in many brand names, such as Flagyl, MetroCream, MetroGel, Nuvessa, and Pylera. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To find out how the costs of brand-name and generic metronidazole compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed metronidazole and you are interested in using a brand name instead, talk with your doctor. They may recommend one version over another for you. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider. They may not cover all versions of the drug.

If you need help covering the cost of metronidazole or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

Your doctor or pharmacist may also be able to suggest cost-saving tips or resources.

If you still have questions about the cost of metronidazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you more information about this drug and what you’ll pay. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for metronidazole.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • What are other options to treat my condition if I can’t afford this drug?
  • Is there a cheaper, generic version for the type of metronidazole I’m prescribed?
  • How will my dosage for metronidazole affect my out-of-pocket cost?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.