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Medically reviewed by Dr. Adrian Rawlinson
Written by our editorial team Last reviewed 29 January 2024
Type of medicine | Antibiotic tablet |
Used for | Treating bacterial vaginosis in women |
Active ingredient(s) | Metronidazole |
Works by | Killing the bacteria responsible for the infection |
Effective within | 7 days |
Available as | Tablets |
Available strength | 500mg |
Usage | Twice daily for 7 days |
Packaging | A strip of tablets |
Manufacturer | Various |
Is a generic available? | Yes. Metronidazole is a generic medicine |
Storage | Store below 25°C, keep away from excess heat and moisture |
Prescription required | Yes, get it with our FREE online consultation |
Who can consult | Women over 18 with bacterial vaginosis |
Note: Our medical team must review your online consultation before approving this treatment. They will determine if the requested treatment and quantity are safe, appropriate, and effective for you.
Metronidazole is an antibiotic tablet. It is generally used to manage bacterial infections, especially bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection.
The FDA approved Flagyl - the brand name for oral Metronidazole - in 1982. Metronidazole is also available in gel form and as an injectable under other brand names.
Metronidazole targets and kills the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. It disrupts the bacteria's DNA and prevents it from growing and multiplying. This helps the body to restore a healthy balance of vaginal bacteria and treat the infection.
Did you know?:
Metronidazole mainly targets the harmful bacteria causing the infection, but can also affect some of the good bacteria. However, your body will naturally restore the healthy balance of bacteria after your treatment is complete.
Metronidazole is quite effective in treating bacterial vaginosis.
A clinical study compared the effectiveness of Metronidazole oral tablets with a placebo in 42 women with bacterial vaginosis. Women were either given Metronidazole 500 mg oral tablets thrice every day for 10 days or a placebo.
The results showed that 76% of women were cured after taking Metronidazole tablets as their first line of treatment, compared with just 5% of women who took the placebo.
Metronidazole is the generic name of the medication, also available under the brand name Flagyl. Both the generic and brand-name versions have the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
At SpeedyHealth, we currently prescribe the generic version as it’s just as effective as its branded counterpart, yet more affordable.
It's important to know when and how to take Metronidazole to effectively treat bacterial vaginosis. This medicine won’t work as well if it is not taken correctly. Keep reading to learn more.
Dosage
Take one tablet (500 mg) twice a day for 7 days. Space each dose at least 12 hours apart.
For example, take the first dose at 8 AM and the next one at 8 PM.
Method
Swallow one tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablet.
With food or without food?
You can take the tablet with food or without food. But taking it with food can prevent an upset stomach.
Missed a dose?
If you missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If the missed dose is too close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Seek medical advice if you have any questions or concerns.
Pro tip: Do you often forget your doses?
Set an alarm on your phone for every dose, or use a pill organizer to track all your doses. You can also use a reminder app to avoid missing out on a dose. Try to keep the medicine in a place where you can easily see it so that you don’t forget your dose.
You might start to notice an improvement in your symptoms within 2-3 days of taking your first dose. But remember, you must complete the full treatment to ensure that all the harmful bacteria are eliminated from the body. This helps reduce the risk of the infection returning.
You can take Metronidazole if you are a woman over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.
You may not be able to take medicine if you:
Inform your doctor about your medical history along with any current medications you take. This will help ensure that the medicine is safe for you.
If you experience side effects that are severe and do not go away, please contact us immediately. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.
The tablet can interact with several medicines and substances. Below are some of the potential interactions:
Please inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. This will help identify and prevent any potential interactions.
Category | Safety | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Unsafe | Do not drink alcohol at all when you are on this medicine or for at least 48 hours after taking your last dose. Combining alcohol with this medicine can make you nauseous. You might also vomit or experience stomach cramps. |
Pregnancy | Consult your doctor | The medicine is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, you should consult your doctor before starting a course. They will weigh the benefits against the risks and decide if the medicine is suitable for you. |
Breastfeeding | Consult your doctor | The tablet can pass into breast milk. Your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop breastfeeding or suggest an alternative treatment. |
Driving | Use caution | This medicine can make some people feel dizzy. If you feel dizzy or experience blurred vision, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. |
Sun Exposure | Use caution | The medicine may make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. To avoid this, wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you step out. |
You can store the tablets at room temperature. The ideal temperature should be below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and store away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the tablets out of reach of pets and children.
Pro tip: Are you traveling with Metronidazole?
Keep the medication in its original packaging with the label intact. Carry it in your hand luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures in checked baggage. If you are traveling internationally, keep a copy of your doctor's prescription on hand. If you are traveling to a different time zone, consult your doctor in advance for dosing advice.
If you are taking this medicine for bacterial vaginosis, try making these lifestyle changes:
Several other treatments are available for bacterial vaginosis. Below is a comparison table outlining the alternative options available:
Medication | Form | Dosage | Duration | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Metronidazole | Oral antibiotic tablet | 500 mg twice a day | 7 days | Very effective and easy to take | Can cause nausea and interacts with alcohol |
Clindamycin | Topical antibiotic cream | 2% cream, once a day | 7 days | Fewer side effects | Not as convenient as an oral medication |
Tinidazole | Oral antibiotic tablet | 2gm, once a day | 2 days | Shorter treatment course | Side effects are similar to Metronidazole |
Patients and doctors usually prefer Metronidazole because it is quite effective. Not just that, it is also easy to take and safe to use in an oral form. It treats the infection more systematically than topical treatments for many women. But keep in mind, the best treatment varies from one person to the other. So, we evaluate every case individually to offer the best treatment option.
No, Metronidazole is not available to buy over the counter. It's a prescription-only medication. This means you require a prescription from a licensed doctor to buy the medicine.
This ensures that a medical professional evaluates your health condition to determine if Metronidazole is an ideal option for you.
At SpeedyHealth, you can get a prescription for Metronidazole by completing our online consultation. This process allows you to consult us from your own home, without a physical visit to the doctor.
You can buy Metronidazole online through SpeedyHealth simply, safely, and securely. Just follow these steps:
Remember, if you have any questions during this process, our customer service team is available to assist you.
SpeedyHealth offers comprehensive, convenient, and cost-effective healthcare for all. Here’s why so many patients trust us:
Choose SpeedyHealth for reliable, patient-centered care to support you on your health journey.
At SpeedyHealth, Metronidazole is priced at $39.99.
The medicine cost also covers the following:
No hidden charges.