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Metronidazole (Generic for Flagyl®) Tablets and Indications
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What Metronidazole Is and How It Works
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal. It treats anaerobic bacterial infections and certain parasites. Common uses include bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, and some gastrointestinal infections such as amebiasis and giardiasis. The oral form is available as metronidazole pills and tablets, including metronidazole 250 mg and metronidazole 500 mg strengths. Many prescriptions use metronidazole 500 mg tab dosing. Metronidazole for BV and metronidazole for trichomoniasis are among the most frequent reasons for a metronidazole prescription.
YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. Orders are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and we ship to the US. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, and customer-service chat is available during posted office hours. We also work with vetted international partner pharmacies to source authentic brands and a wide selection of generics at affordable pricing.
Metronidazole stops susceptible organisms by disrupting DNA synthesis. It targets anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, so it does not treat typical viral infections. Oral metronidazole is taken by mouth with water. Dosing frequency depends on the condition and severity.
Dosage and Usage
Dosing varies by infection and patient factors. The following are commonly prescribed adult regimens; clinicians may adjust as needed:
- Bacterial vaginosis: metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days.
- Trichomoniasis: either 2,000 mg once or 500 mg twice daily for 7 days; sexual partners are usually treated as well.
- Amebiasis: often 500–750 mg three times daily for 5–10 days; a luminal agent may follow.
- Giardiasis: commonly 250 mg three times daily for 5–7 days, or 2,000 mg daily for 3 days.
- Anaerobic infections: 500 mg every 8–12 hours, duration depends on site and response.
Metronidazole tablets may be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush extended-release products. Metronidazole for vaginal infection is often oral; vaginal gels exist for specific cases. Metronidazole for men is used for trichomoniasis and certain anaerobic infections when indicated.
- Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is close to the next dose; skip rather than double.
- Alcohol: avoid alcohol and products containing propylene glycol during therapy and for at least 48–72 hours after the last dose.
- Storage: store your tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
- Travel: keep your medication in original packaging with your prescription label. Carry it in your hand luggage and pack a small buffer supply.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding requires clinician guidance. Drug interactions can occur, including with warfarin and disulfiram. Metronidazole and pregnancy decisions should be individualized by a healthcare professional.
Benefits and Savings
Metronidazole antibiotics provide broad anaerobic coverage and treat key protozoal infections. For BV, oral therapy helps reduce vaginal discharge and odor. For trichomoniasis, standard regimens are effective when partners also receive treatment. In amebiasis and giardiasis, symptom improvement often follows several doses. Tablets are small, affordable, and widely available.
Ordering from YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing and typical savings of 60–80% versus many US prices. Generic metronidazole tablets can substantially lower total treatment cost compared to brand Flagyl®. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions may reduce per-month costs when permitted for chronic or recurrent indications.
Side Effects and Safety
Many people tolerate metronidazole well. Some effects are dose-related and improve when therapy ends. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
- Common: nausea, metallic taste, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, dizziness.
- Other: dark urine, tongue or mouth irritation, transient rash.
- Serious: peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness), seizures, encephalopathy, severe skin reactions, blood dyscrasias, allergic reaction, mood changes with disulfiram use.
Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48–72 hours after finishing. Use caution with liver disease and in older adults. Discuss all medicines and supplements with a clinician to prevent interactions. Metronidazole does not usually treat typical urinary tract infections; agents such as Nitrofurantoin are commonly used for UTIs.
Onset Time
Symptom relief varies by condition and severity. Many patients with BV notice reduced odor within 2–3 days. Trichomoniasis symptoms often improve within a few days after dosing. For amebiasis or giardiasis, diarrhea and cramps may ease over 2–5 days. Complete the prescribed course even if symptoms improve early.
Compare With Alternatives
Tinidazole is another nitroimidazole with a longer half-life. Some trichomoniasis or BV regimens use tinidazole as an alternative when appropriate. Clindamycin can treat BV, especially for patients who cannot use metronidazole. For UTIs, metronidazole for UTI is generally not effective; options include Nitrofurantoin for uncomplicated cystitis. For acne and certain infections, oral tetracyclines like Doxycycline Mr are used, but they do not cover anaerobes like metronidazole does.
Topical metronidazole for rosacea is common, while oral regimens are reserved for specific cases or flares. Selection depends on diagnosis, resistance patterns, tolerability, and pregnancy or lactation status.
Combination Therapy
Metronidazole is often part of combination regimens. For mixed intra-abdominal infections, it may be paired with cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones to expand coverage. For Helicobacter pylori, it appears in multi-drug therapy alongside acid suppression and other antibiotics. For amebiasis, treatment may be followed by a luminal agent to clear intestinal cysts. Sexual partners are usually treated concurrently for trichomoniasis to prevent reinfection.
Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips
Metronidazole is suitable for many adults and children when indicated. It is not useful for viral colds or flu. Careful use is needed in severe liver disease, active alcohol use, or with disulfiram. Interaction checks are important for anticoagulants such as warfarin. When judging abdominal symptoms, diagnosis matters. You can learn more about abdominal pain patterns in The Abdomen Part Iii The Right Lower Quadrant. For condition-specific reading, explore our category pages on Bacterial Vaginosis and Gastrointestinal Infections.
To help manage costs, choose generic metronidazole tablets when appropriate. Multi-pack or extended supplies, when your prescription allows, may reduce the monthly spend. You can set simple reorder reminders in your account so you never run short. Pricing is transparent, and US customers often see 60–80% savings compared to typical US pharmacy prices.
Authoritative Sources
Pfizer Medical Information: Flagyl (metronidazole) Prescribing Information
Health Canada Drug Product Database: Metronidazole Listings
FDA Prescribing Information for Flagyl Tablets
YouDrugstore supports your therapy with caring service and Canadian pharmacy standards. Our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing and are available to address medication questions. Order online or by phone, and we provide prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the US when needed.
Content on this page is for general information. It does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient information that comes with the medicine.
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What is metronidazole used for?
Metronidazole treats anaerobic bacterial infections and certain protozoal infections. Common uses include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and some gastrointestinal infections such as amebiasis and giardiasis. It is not active against most typical UTI bacteria or viruses. Your prescriber selects the dose and duration based on the diagnosis.
How long does metronidazole take to work?
Many people notice improvement within two to three days, depending on the condition. BV odor often improves within a few days. Trichomoniasis symptoms may ease shortly after dosing. Gastrointestinal infections may require several days. Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early, unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Can I drink alcohol while taking metronidazole?
No. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48–72 hours after the last dose. Combining alcohol with metronidazole may cause nausea, cramps, flushing, vomiting, and headache. Some products contain alcohol or propylene glycol; check labels and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
Is metronidazole available over the counter?
No. Metronidazole is a prescription medication. A clinician must assess your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and choose the proper dose and duration. Ordering requires a valid prescription. Our pharmacists review all prescriptions to ensure safe dispensing before shipment.
What is the usual dose of metronidazole 500 mg for BV?
A commonly prescribed adult regimen for bacterial vaginosis is metronidazole 500 mg taken twice daily for seven days. Some cases may use alternative dosing based on clinical factors. Follow your prescriber’s directions and do not change the schedule without professional guidance.
Does metronidazole treat UTIs?
Metronidazole is not typically used for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, because most UTI bacteria are not anaerobes. Other antibiotics are preferred, depending on the organism and local resistance patterns. A clinician can recommend an appropriate UTI therapy for your specific case.
Is metronidazole safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Safety depends on the condition and timing. Clinicians may prescribe metronidazole during pregnancy for certain infections when benefits outweigh risks. It passes into breast milk. Decisions on timing or temporary milk interruption are individualized. Discuss your situation with your healthcare professional.