Metrogel

Metrogel Drug Information

• Metrogel Overview

  Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of infections. It may also be used to prevent infection after bowel surgery. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasites.

• How to Use Metrogel

  Metrogel is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times a day. It is injected slowly into a vein over 1 hour. The Dosage of Metrogel is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are using Metrogel at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check Metrogel visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use Metrogel at the same time(s) every day. Continue to use Metrogel for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

• Metrogel Precautions

  Before using metronidazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics (such as tinidazole); or if you have any other allergies. Metrogel may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Metrogel, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, kidney disease, certain blood disorders (low blood cell counts), swelling (edema). People with a rare genetic disorder (Cockayne syndrome) may be at risk for very serious liver disease if they use metronidazole. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If metronidazole is used, your doctor will check your liver function. Get medical help right away if you have any signs of liver disease during treatment (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). Avoid alcoholic beverages and products containing propylene glycol while taking Metrogel and for at least 3 days after finishing this medicine because severe stomach upset/cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing may occur. Metrogel may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Metrogel contains sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could be worsened by an increase in salt intake (such as congestive heart failure, edema). Metronidazole may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Metrogel unless your doctor tells you to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Metrogel should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Metrogel passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Metrogel Misdose

  For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of Metrogel as directed. If you miss a dose of Metrogel, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Metrogel Interactions

  See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.alcohol-containing products (such as cough and cold syrups, aftershave), products containing propylene glycol, lopinavir/ritonavir solution, lithium. Do not use metronidazole if you are also taking disulfiram or if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Metrogel may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use Metrogel.

• Metrogel Side Effects

  What are Metrogel side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Metrogel may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Metrogel as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Metrogel

  The side effects of Metrogel may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Metrogel. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Metrogel may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Metrogel, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Metrogel.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Metrogel, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Metrogel and the side effects associated with Metrogel are described in the following:

  Common Metrogel Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • diarrhea
  • nausea

  Less Frequent Metrogel Side Effects

  Severe

  • peripheral neuropathy

  Less Severe

  • Alcohol Intolerance
  • dizziness
  • headache disorder
  • vomiting
  • anorexia

  Rare or Very Rare Metrogel Side Effects

  Severe

  • leukopenia
  • encephalopathy
  • thrombophlebitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • allergic dermatitis
  • Erythema
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • seizure disorder
  • ataxia
  • skin rash
  • optic neuropathy
  • non-infective meningitis
  • neutropenic disorder
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • proctitis
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • agranulocytosis
  • eosinophilia
  • Anaphylaxis
  • dyspnea
  • Jaundice
  • DRESS syndrome
  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • urine discoloration
  • dysgeusia
  • candidiasis
  • acute confusion
  • syncope
  • Acute Abdominal Pain
  • nasal congestion
  • fever
  • xerostomia
  • flushing
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • dysarthria
  • constipation
  • glossitis
  • stomatitis
  • dysuria
  • cystitis
  • Furred Tongue
  • polyuria
  • urinary incontinence
  • libido changes
  • irritability
  • depression
  • general weakness
  • insomnia
  • abnormal ECG
  • hiccups
  • hypesthesia
  • paresthesia
  • drowsy
  • tachycardia
  • palpitations
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • abnormal saccadic eye movement

• Metrogel Storage

  Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Metrogel when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.