Metronidazole (By Mouth)

Metronidazole (me-troe-NI-da-zole)

Treats infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):

Flagyl ER, Flagyl, Helidac Therapy, Flagyl 375
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to metronidazole.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take the capsule, tablet, or oral liquid with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• It is best to take the extended-release tablet on an empty stomach, one hour before you eat a meal or two hours after a meal.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Take your medicine as scheduled until it is all gone, even if your symptoms go away. If you stop taking metronidazole too soon, your infection may return.
• If you do not get better in a few days or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol or take medicine with alcohol in it, such as cold or cough medicines. Wait at least one day after stopping metronidazole before drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin®, disulfiram (Antabuse®), phenobarbital (Donnatal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or cimetidine (Tagamet®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before taking metronidazole if you have liver or heart disease, a nerve disease (such as epilepsy), or a blood disorder.
• If you are taking this medicine for a genital infection, make sure that your sexual partner also gets treated, even if he or she has no symptoms.
• Because this medicine makes some people dizzy or lightheaded, be careful when driving a car or using machinery.
• This medicine may turn your urine a reddish-brown color. This is normal.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Skin rash or hives
• Unexplained sore throat or fever
• Joint pain
• Tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth, metallic taste
• Pain during sex or when going to the bathroom (urinating)
• Vaginal swelling, itching, or discharge
• Loss of appetite

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.