Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal).
Alcohol: A severe set of side effects including nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat may occur if you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole. If you are taking Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal), wait until at least one day after finishing metronidazole treatment before drinking alcohol.
Antibiotic-related diarrhea: As with other antibacterials, metronidazole can in rare instances cause a severe form of diarrhea associated with a condition known as pseudomembranous colitis. If you develop severe diarrhea while taking (or within a few weeks of taking) Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal), contact your doctor.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as metronidazole may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better early in your course of treatment with metronidazole, you need to take the full course exactly as directed to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take metronidazole or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Birth control: Ingredients in metronidazole vaginal cream may cause condoms and diaphragms to become less effective. Alternative forms of birth control should be considered while using Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal).
Blood cell counts: Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) may cause low white blood cell counts, which can mean your immune system is weak. If you develop a fever, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may also perform blood tests regularly to monitor your blood cell counts if you are taking Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) for a long period of time.
Confusion/dizziness: Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) may cause confusion or dizziness, affecting the physical and mental abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving or other tasks requiring alertness until you know how Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) affects you.
Liver disease: Decreased liver function or liver disease may cause Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal).
Neurological side effects: Stop treatment with metronidazole and see your doctor if muscle incoordination, seizures, or numbness or tingling in the hands or feet occur.
Pancreatitis: Metronidazole can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Metronidazole crosses the placenta and may affect the development of the baby if it taken by the mother while she is pregnant. Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking metronidazole, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Flagyl Vaginal (Metronidazole-vaginal) have not been established for children.
