The drug "Metronidazole" (release form - gel) is an antiprotozoal antibacterial agent with the same active substance. It is prescribed by specialists in urogenital trichomoniasis (vaginitis, urethritis) and nonspecific vaginitis, confirmed by microbiological and clinical data.
The drug is produced in aluminum tubes in cardboard packs along with a special applicator for intravaginal administration.
Metronidazole (gel): instructions for use
The drug is prescribed intravaginally, and as a rule, the standard dose is 5 g (the applicator attached to it is designed for this amount of gel). The course of treatment is five days when taking the drug twice a day.
Gel "Metronidazole" causes individual intolerance to ethanol, so you need to be extremely careful. In addition, the drug should not be taken with Disulfiram, as well as in those cases where you have taken the latter in the previous two weeks. The simultaneous use of these drugs can cause the development of some neurological symptoms.
If we are talking about interaction with other drugs, it should be noted that the Metronidazole gel is able to enhance the effect of anticoagulants. The drug should not be combined with muscle relaxants and phenobarbital.
In cases of overdose (these are very rare) or with intolerance to the drug, the following side effects may occur: skin rash, urticaria, irritation or burning in the partner's penis, rapid urination, itching, pain, hyperemia of the mucosa in the external genital area. Vaginal candidiasis may develop after discontinuation of the drug. One must also be prepared for some systemic reactions - changes in taste (including the “metal” taste), dizziness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased or loss of appetite, spastic abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, leukopenia and to the rest.
To avoid side effects, you should not take Metronidazole gel with the contraindications listed below.
So, the drug is contraindicated in patients with leukopenia, patients with impaired coordination of movements, with organic lesions of the central nervous system, liver failure, as well as pregnant women from the first trimester of pregnancy and nursing mothers. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, it is prescribed with extreme caution. The drug is not prescribed for people with hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug and to nitromidazole derivatives.
Gel "Metronidazole": special instructions and storage rules
This gel, as already mentioned, is intended exclusively for intravaginal use. Patients with vaginitis, which is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, should take the drug with a sexual partner (the partner takes metronidazole orally). During treatment, in no case should you take ethanol (the possibility of developing various disulfiram-like reactions, including spastic pain, nausea, vomiting, a rush of blood to the face, etc.). It is better to avoid sexual contact during treatment.
Metronidazole gel is dispensed from pharmacies only by prescription. It is stored in a dry, dark place away from children at temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius. Shelf life is two years.
Attention! This article is intended for a superficial acquaintance with the drug and its effect. Before starting treatment with it, be sure to consult your doctor who will write you a prescription if necessary. Before use, carefully read the instructions leaflet, which contains more detailed information about the medicine.