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What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole?

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Metronidazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it. You may have unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.

What is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body.

Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints, and respiratory tract. This medication will not treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Metronidazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metronidazole?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metronidazole, or if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Before taking metronidazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn's disease;

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or leukopenia (lack of white blood cells);

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• nerve disorders.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Metronidazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take metronidazole?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the extended-release form of metronidazole (Flagyl ER) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Metronidazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using metronidazole.

Store metronidazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.