Taking antibiotics if you don’t have a bacterial infection can be harmful. Usually, prescriptions for metronidazole are not renewable. You can minimize UTIs by using vaginal estrogen creams. [2] X Expert Source Robert Dhir, MDBoard Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020. Completely emptying your bladder can also help to prevent UTIs. [3] X Expert Source Robert Dhir, MDBoard Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020.
Your doctor will tell you exactly how many doses you will need to take in a day.
Check food labels and don’t eat anything with propylene glycol, an additive that can interact with metronidazole and cause unpleasant side effects like vomiting.
Talk to your doctor if you are still experiencing symptoms after 7 days. Symptoms include gray, white, green, or fishy-smelling discharge, as well as vaginal itching or burning during urination. Don’t crush the extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole.
Sometimes, metronidazole gel is also prescribed for internal vaginal use.
For internal vaginal use, the treatment is usually 5 days long.
Avoid getting the cream in your eyes. This can be painful. For vaginal treatment, fill the applicator and insert the medication into your vagina according to the instructions that come with the medicine.
Also avoid recreational drugs while on metronidazole, as not enough studies have been completed to understand the side effects.
Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal treatments you take in your discussion with your doctor.
Tell your doctor right away if you think you became pregnant while taking metronidazole. Don’t breastfeed within 24 hours of taking metronidazole.
Your doctor may also recommend treating your partner at the same time, even if they don’t show symptoms of trich.
Common side effects include lightheadedness, heartburn, cramps, and trouble sleeping. You don’t need to tell your doctor about any of these unless they interfere with your day-to-day functioning.
