Metrogel Vaginal (Metronidazole)

Do’s

• Use Metrogel Vaginal Gel only for vaginal infections, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the applicator.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage (usually once or twice daily), and use it at bedtime if using once a day.
• Fill the applicator with the gel as directed.
• Insert the applicator high into the vagina and press the plunger to release the medication.
• Avoid getting the gel in your eyes. Rinse with cool water if contact occurs, and call your healthcare provider if irritation persists.
• Continue using Metrogel Vaginal Gel for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete treatment.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve after several days of use or if it worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't use Metrogel Vaginal Gel for any other purpose or condition without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't use the gel more often or for a longer duration than prescribed.
• Don't use other vaginal medications while using Metrogel Vaginal Gel unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
• Don't have sexual intercourse while using Metrogel Vaginal Gel without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common side effects:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Unusual taste in the mouth
• Stomach cramps
• Vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet
• Increased urination
• Altered sense of taste
• Skin dryness
• Vulvovaginal irritative symptoms
• Pelvic discomfort

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Fainting
• Painful urination
• Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet
• Seizures
• Signs of another infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
• Mental/mood changes (e.g., depression)
• Severe skin reaction, such as fever, sore throat, swelling in the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling
• Symptoms of liver disease, such as dark-colored urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Teratogenic effects in pregnancy, with potential risk to the fetus

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

Disclose any allergies you have, especially to Metronidazole, other nitroimidazole antibiotics, or any ingredients in the medication, including paraben preservatives which can cause allergic reactions.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any history of nervous system disorders such as seizures or numbness/tingling in the hands/feet. Let your healthcare provider know if you have liver disease.

MetroGel-Vaginal Gel may cause dizziness. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you feel safe. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen these effects.

Avoid alcohol consumption while using MetroGel-Vaginal Gel and for at least 24 hours after stopping it. Combining alcohol with this medication can cause unpleasant side effects like stomach cramps, flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Do not have vaginal sex while using MetroGel-Vaginal Gel. Avoid using tampons or douches during treatment.

MetroGel-Vaginal Gel should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It's unknown if MetroGel-Vaginal Gel passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Keep track of all medications you take (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products). This allows them to identify potential interactions with MetroGel-Vaginal Gel.

Avoid medication adjustments without consulting your healthcare provider. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications on your own.

Avoid using MetroGel-Vaginal Gel if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks.

Avoid products containing alcohol or propylene glycol while using MetroGel-Vaginal Gel and for at least 24 hours after stopping it. Ask your healthcare provider for more details.

MetroGel-Vaginal Gel may affect certain lab tests. Inform laboratory personnel and all your healthcare providers that you use this medication.