Generic name: Metronidazole Vaginal Gel [ met-roe-NYE-da-zole ]
Brand name: MetroGel Vaginal
Drug classes: Topical anti-rosacea agents, Vaginal anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 7, 2024.

Uses of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel:

• It is used to treat vaginal infections.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Metronidazole Vaginal Gel?

• If you have an allergy to metronidazole or any other part of metronidazole vaginal gel.
• If you are allergic to metronidazole vaginal gel; any part of metronidazole vaginal gel; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed for some time after getting metronidazole vaginal gel. Talk with your doctor to see how long to avoid breast-feeding after getting metronidazole vaginal gel.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with metronidazole vaginal gel.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take metronidazole vaginal gel with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Metronidazole Vaginal Gel?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take metronidazole vaginal gel. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use products that have alcohol in them. You may need to avoid drinking alcohol or taking products that have alcohol in them while using metronidazole vaginal gel and for some time after your last dose.
• If you are taking a product that has propylene glycol in it, talk with your doctor.
• Metronidazole has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats with long-term use. Talk with the doctor.
• The doctor has given you metronidazole vaginal gel for a certain health problem. Do not use metronidazole vaginal gel for other health problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using metronidazole vaginal gel while you are pregnant.
• Do not have vaginal sex while using metronidazole vaginal gel.
• Do not douche or use other vaginal products like tampons while you are using metronidazole vaginal gel. You may need to avoid these things for some time after the last dose. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab workers know you use metronidazole vaginal gel.

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, metronidazole topical, metronidazole, clindamycin topical, clindamycin, ivermectin topical, minocycline topical

How is this medicine (Metronidazole Vaginal Gel) best taken?

Use metronidazole vaginal gel as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Do not take metronidazole vaginal gel by mouth. For vaginal use only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Some products are to be used at bedtime. For some products it does not matter. Check with the pharmacist about how to use metronidazole vaginal gel.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Irritation where metronidazole vaginal gel is used.
• Nervous system problems have happened with the oral and injection forms of metronidazole vaginal gel. Call your doctor right away if you have a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal; change in balance or eyesight; dizziness or passing out; headache; not able to sleep; seizures; or trouble speaking. Call your doctor right away if you feel confused, depressed, irritable, tired, or weak.
• Vaginal discharge.

What are some other side effects of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Stomach pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Metronidazole Vaginal Gel?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat.
• Protect from cold.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about metronidazole vaginal gel, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer