Woman's Health - Metrol (Brand name: flagyl er)

Metronidazole tablet

What is this medicine?

METRONIDAZOLE is an antiinfective. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections, like respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and bone and joint infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia or other blood disorders
disease of the nervous system
fungal or yeast infection
if you drink alcohol containing drinks
liver disease
seizures
an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

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

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
amprenavir oral solution
disulfiram
paclitaxel injection
ritonavir oral solution
sertraline oral solution
sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim injection

This medicine may also interact with the following:
cimetidine
lithium
phenobarbital
phenytoin
warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 taking this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

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. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

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

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
confusion, clumsiness
dark or white patches in the mouth
fever, infection
numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet
pain when passing urine
seizures
if you are unusually weak or tired
vaginal irritation or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
metallic taste
nausea
stomach pain or cramps

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.