Metronidazole Vaginal Gel

What is Metronidazole Gel?

Metronidazole Vaginal Gel (0.75%) is a colorless to yellow gel. It is supplied in a 70g tube and packaged with 5 vaginal applicators. It should be stored at 68° to 77° F (20° to 25°C) and be protected from extreme heat and freezing. Metronidazole is classified as an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent.

What does Metronidazole Vaginal Gel treat?

Metronidazole Vaginal Gel is used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in non-pregnant women. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition in which the balance of bacteria inside the vagina gets disrupted and causes unusual vaginal discharge. The vaginal discharge is typically characterised by a fishy smell, can become white or grey, and/or thin and watery.

Active ingredients

Metronidazole Vaginal Gel contains the active ingredient metronidazole at a concentration of 7.5 mg/g (0.75%). Each applicator contains 5g of vaginal gel with approximately 37.5mg of metronidazole.

Inactive ingredients

Metronidazole gel also contains the following inactive ingredients: methylparaben, propylparaben, hypromellose, edetate disodium, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide.

How to use Metronidazole gel

Metronidazole Vaginal Gel (0.75%) is to be applied intravaginally, which means inside the vagina. It is for vaginal use only, and must not be put in eyes, mouth, or on your skin. If the medicine gets into any of those areas, rinse with water.

Unless your physician advises you otherwise, the recommended dose is one applicator full of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel administered via the vagina once or twice a day for 5 days. Make sure you gently wash your vaginal area before using the medicine and wash your hands before and after vaginal application.

For once-a-day dosing, apply one applicator full of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel at bedtime. After using the applicator, throw it away and use a new applicator for the next day’s dose.

For twice-a-day dosing, apply one applicator full of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel each morning and evening for 5 days. Following the morning application, wash the plunger and the barrel in warm soapy water, rinse it properly and let it dry. The applicator may be reassembled for the evening dose. Following the evening dose, throw the applicator away and use a new one for the next day’s dose.

Make sure you read the patient information and medication guide that comes with the medicine. If you have further questions or doubts, ask your physician or pharmacist.

NB.: If you experience significant irritation following the use of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel, stop using it and talk to your physician. Keep this medicine out of reach of children and do not use while pregnant unless under the supervision of your physician.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to use your dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember your dose when it’s almost time to take the next one, proceed as normal and do not double the dose to make up for the one you forgot.

Side effects of Metronidazole Gel

Get immediate medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat; hives; difficulty breathing.

General side effects of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel include:

• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Infection
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Burning/stinging while applying the medicine
• Pelvic pain/cramps
• Dizziness
• Disturbed sleep (Insomnia)
• Runny nose
• Urinating more than usual
• Acne
• Increased sweating
• Breast discharge

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Seizure (convulsion)
• Numbness/burning/pain/tingling in your hands and/or feet

If you experience any serious side effects, talk to your physician.

Make sure you do not use this medicine if you are allergic to parabens or polyethylene glycol, if you recently drank alcohol, if you took disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days, if you use medicine to thin the blood (anticoagulants) such as Warfarin and Coumarin.

For your own safety, make sure you inform your physician of any seizure disorder, any blood cell disorder (anemia, low platelets), or peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud’s syndrome.

Can I use Metronidazole Vaginal Gel while breastfeeding?

No studies have been conducted yet on the levels of Metronidazole in human milk after the vaginal application of Metronidazole. However, it has been established that Metronidazole is secreted in human milk in concentrations similar to those found in plasma following oral intake of Metronidazole tablets. Furthermore, Metronidazole in mice and rats have shown a potential for tumorigenicity (ability to grow tumors). Breastfeeding mothers should decide with their physicians whether to stop breastfeeding or stop the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine for the mother.

What should I avoid while using Metronidazole Vaginal Gel?

Avoid drinking alcohol or consuming foods or any other substances that contain alcohol or propylene glycol. To be sure, check the ingredient labels of the drinks and foods you consume. Also, avoid having sex until your vaginal infection has completely gone. Moreover, in order to allow good air circulation, wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or other natural fibers until your infection is treated. Avoid tight-fitting and synthetic clothing such as nylon underwear.