Metronidazole

Metronidazole is a medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as

• trichomoniasis (an STI)
• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• skin infections
• digestive system infections

It is sometimes sold under names like Flagyl and Zidoval.

Metronidazole comes as a tablet or gel. This is called a topical treatment. If your infection is severe, the doctor may give you an injection instead.

If you need treatment for BV or an STI called trichomoniasis, you can buy Metronidazole here at HealthExpress.

What is Metronidazole used for?

Metronidazole can be used to treat many different conditions. Here is a list of some of them:

• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• trichomoniasis - an STI
• rosacea
• stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers)
• giardiasis (infection in the small intestine)
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• gum and tooth infections
• parasitic infections, such as amoebiasis
• infections caused by bacteria (e.g. infected wounds or cuts)

Unless you need treatment for the first or second illness on the list, you can only get Metronidazole from your primary doctor.

The treatment works by stopping the bacteria from growing. This makes it much easier for your body to fight off the infection.

When bacteria cells enter your body, they want to make copies of themselves as quickly as they can. This is how the infection spreads. When you take the medicine, the bacteria won’t be able to grow easily.

By stopping the infection from spreading, your body has a much better chance of fighting it off.

Once you start taking the medicine, your symptoms might go away within a couple of days. But, you must keep taking the medicine until you have finished the whole course. If you stop the medicine too early, you risk the infection coming back again.

For BV and trichomoniasis, you usually only need to take the medicine for 5-7 days. For other conditions like rosacea, you might be on the treatment for much longer (from 6 weeks up to 4 months).

Metronidazole tablets

One dose of the medicine is 400mg.

If you are taking this treatment for BV or trichomoniasis, here is a list of what to do:

• take one tablet in the morning and the evening, for 7 days
• take the tablet with water, after a meal
• swallow the tablet whole - do not chew or break the tablet
• if you forget to take your tablet, take one as soon as you remember
• if you have forgotten to take your tablet all day, skip it and wait until your evening dose
• do not take two tablets at the same time
• if you take more medicine than you should, seek emergency medical help

Do not drink any alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Metronidazole gel

Metronidazole gel is used to treat BV. For the medicine to work, you must apply it inside the vagina. The gel must be applied once a day, for 5 days in a row.

Metronidazole gel can be sold under the name Zidoval.

For a full guide on how to use the gel, please read the leaflet that is included in your order. But here is a brief guide.

• wash your hands thoroughly before starting
• open the tube by breaking the foil seal with the pointed end of the cap
• take the applicator and screw it onto the tube
• squeeze the tube until the applicator is full of gel
• get comfortable and put the applicator into your vagina (as far as it will go)
• slowly push the plunger to release all of the gel
• take the applicator out and throw it into the bin straight away

Remember to take the whole course of medicine, even if your symptoms go away.

If you forget to apply the gel, do it as soon as you remember.

Do not take more than one dose at a time. If you take more than you should, seek emergency medical help.

As with all prescription medicines, Metronidazole may cause some side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and will go away by themselves. But just in case, please read the following possible side effects.

Some common side effects could be:

• diarrhoea
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting or stomach pain
• unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth
• loss of appetite
• vaginal thrush
• skin reaction (such as itching, redness, burning, or stinging)
• unusual feeling on the tongue
• dry skin

If you have an allergic reaction to the medicine, please speak to a doctor right away. An allergic reaction can cause swelling or it might be difficult to breathe.

If you want to read a complete list of side effects, you can find all the information on the leaflet included with your order.

Most people can take Metronidazole safely. But, be careful taking this medicine if you have:

• had an allergic reaction to Metronidazole in the past
• liver disease
• kidney problems
• a stomach or intestinal disease
• a blood cell disorder (such as anaemia or leukopenia)
• epilepsy or a nerve disorder
• an inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease)

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using this medication.

When you do your online consultation, make sure to mention all of your past or current conditions. This helps the doctor know if the medicine is safe for you.

Some other medicines can interact with Metronidazole. Make sure to let the doctor know of any medications you are taking - even if they are over-the-counter or recreational drugs.

Be careful of taking Metronidazole if you take any of these medicines:

• blood-thinning tablets (anticoagulants) e.g warfarin
• lithium (a mood stabiliser)
• medicines for epilepsy e.g phenobarbital or phenytoin
• cancer treatments
• ciclosporin (taken after an organ transplant)
• disulfiram (used to treat alcoholism)

If you’re not sure if any of the above apply to you, speak to a doctor before taking this medicine.

You mustn’t drink any alcohol when you are taking this medicine. Alcohol can cause bad reactions like headaches, feeling sick, and being dizzy.

You should tell anyone you have recently had sex with about your infection. They might need treatment too.

If you take Metronidazole for a long time, there is a small risk of getting nerve damage (something called peripheral neuropathy). This causes pain, tingling, or numbness if your hands, arms, and feet.

Please talk to your doctor if you start to feel any sudden pain when taking the treatment.

You can buy Metronidazole tablets and gel here at HealthExpress. All you need to do is fill out a short online form which will be reviewed by one of our UK-registered doctors.

If the doctor says it is safe for you to take the medicine, it will be sent right to your front door, with free next-day delivery.

The parcel will also be delivered in plain and discreet packaging to maintain your privacy.