MetroCream

Metronidazole Injection



(me troe ni' da zole)

Flagyl® I.V.
Flagyl® I.V. RTU®

Metronidazole injection can cause cancer in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Metronidazole capsules and tablets are used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, heart, bone, joint, lung, blood, nervous system, and other areas of the body. Metronidazole capsules and tablets are also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Metronidazole extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by too much of certain types of harmful bacteria in the vagina) in women. Metronidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Metronidazole injection comes as a solution and is infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein). It is usually infused over a period of 30 minutes to 1 hour every 6 hours. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. Your doctor will tell you how long to use metronidazole injection.
You may receive metronidazole injection in a hospital, or you may use the medication at home. If you will be using metronidazole injection at home, your health care provider will show you how to infuse the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with metronidazole injection. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Use metronidazole injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using metronidazole injection too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Before using metronidazole,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metronidazole or any of the ingredients in metronidazole topical preparations. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription, nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a central nervous system condition (diseases of the spinal cord or brain) or a blood disease.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using metronidazole, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Metronidazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:



vomiting

nausea

diarrhea

constipation

upset stomach

stomach cramps

loss of appetite

headache

dry mouth

sharp, unpleasant metallic taste

furry tongue; mouth or tongue irritation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:



numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet

seizures

rash

itching

hives

peeling or blistering skin

flushing

stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection

joint pain

dizziness

difficulty speaking

problems with coordination

confusion

agitation
Metronidazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the metronidazole, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.