Flagyl Vaginal Cream (Metronidazole)

Do's

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly regarding dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the cream.
• Use the applicator provided to apply the cream. Screw the applicator onto the tube and fill it with medication according to the instructions.
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and apart. Gently insert the applicator high into your vagina and press the plunger to release the cream.
• Dispose of the applicator after each use (disposable applicators) or clean it thoroughly with warm, soapy water (reusable applicators).
• Continue using the cream even if you are menstruating unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Don'ts

• Do not use Flagyl Vaginal Cream more often than prescribed.
• Do not use Flagyl Vaginal Cream for longer than prescribed. Even if your symptoms improve, finish the entire course of treatment to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
• Do not use Flagyl Vaginal Cream orally or apply it to any other area of your body.
• Do not douche while using Flagyl Vaginal Cream. Douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
• Do not have sexual intercourse while using Flagyl Vaginal Cream unless your healthcare provider says it's safe. Flagyl can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Do not use Flagyl Vaginal Cream if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider specifically advises you to do so. Flagyl can be harmful to your baby.

Common Side Effects:

• Depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling irritable
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Unpleasant metallic taste
• Rash
• Itching
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Pain during sex
• Mouth sores
• Swollen, red, or "hairy" tongue
• Mild gastrointestinal upset
• Abdominal cramps
• Vaginal discomfort/itching/discharge
• Change in vaginal discharge

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of liver failure, such as nausea, upper right stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) in people with Cockayne syndrome
• Serious allergic reactions, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
• Neurological symptoms such as numbness/tingling of the hands/feet or seizures
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Flagyl vaginal cream,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Avoid consuming alcohol or products containing alcohol (including some mouthwashes) while using Flagyl and for at least 3 days after your final dose. This combination can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, and flushing.

Do not use Flagyl if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 2 weeks. There can be serious interactions between these medications.

Consult your healthcare provider before using Flagyl if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The safety of Flagyl during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established.

Avoid vaginal intercourse or using tampons or douches while using Flagyl vaginal cream. This can disrupt the medication's effectiveness.

Stop using Flagyl and seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.