METRONIDAZOLE

Brand & Generic Names

Apo-Metronidazole	Metro I.V.
Flagyl	Neo-Metric
Flagyl I.V.	Novonidazol
Flagyl I.V. RTU	PMS Metronidazole
Metizol	Protostat
Metric 21	Satric
Metrogel	Trikacide
Metrogel-Vaginal

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antiprotozoal

Uses

• Treatment for infections susceptible to metronidazole, such as trichomoniasis and amebiasis.
• Topical--Treats acne rosacea (adult acne).
• Vaginal--Treats vaginal infections.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food. Topical gel--Apply thin layer to involved area.

When to take:
At the same times each day.
Gel--Apply twice a day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Kills organisms causing the infection.

Time lapse before drug works:
Begins in 1 hour. May require regular use for 10 days to cure infection.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription medicines containing alcohol.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, seizures.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Appetite loss, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
• Unpleasant taste.

Infrequent:

• Dizziness; headache; rash; hives; skin redness; itchy skin; mouth irritation, soreness or infection; sore throat; fever.
• Vaginal irritation, discharge, dryness; fatigue; weakness.
• Constipation.

Rare:

• Mood change; unsteadiness; numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in hands or feet.
• Metallic taste.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to metronidazole.
• You have had a blood-cell or bone-marrow disorder.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
• If you have a brain or nervous-system disorder.
• If you have liver or heart disease.
• If you drink alcohol.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Manufacturer advises against use during first 3 months and only limited use after that. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use in children for amoeba infection only under close medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check for giardiasis in stools.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy or unsteady. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:
Avoid alcohol 12 hours before and at least 24 hours after treatment period with metronidazole.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants*,	Increased anticoagulant effect.
oral	Possible bleeding or bruising.
Cimetidine	Prolongs increased serum levels.
Didanosine	Increased risk of peripheral
	neuropathy.
Disulfiram	Disulfiram reaction*. Avoid.
Nizatidine	Increased effect and toxicity of
	metoprolol.
Oxytetracycline	Decreased metronidazole effect.
Phenobarbital	Decreased effect of metronidazole.
Phenytoin	Decreased effect of metronidazole.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible disulfiram reaction*.
	Avoid alcohol in ANY form or
	amount.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Decreased metronidazole effect.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.