Drug
Metronidazole
Pronounced
"MET-roe-NID-a-zole"
Side Effects
Although uncommon, dizziness, headache, or mild stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Rarely, vaginal discomfort/itching/discharge may occur or worsen. These symptoms may be due to a new vaginal infection (such as a yeast/fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice a change in vaginal discharge or other new vaginal symptoms.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using metronidazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other nitroimidazole antibiotics (such as tinidazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as paraben preservatives), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: nervous system disorders (such as seizures, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet).
This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Do not drink alcohol while using this medication and for at least 24 hours after treatment. Drinking alcohol while using this medication may cause stomach cramps, flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
Do not have vaginal sex or use tampons or douches while using this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Antibiotics taken by mouth have been used to treat vaginal infections during pregnancy, especially high-risk pregnancies (for example, if there is a risk of early childbirth). Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.