While most adult women can take metronidazole gel, there are some conditions that can interact with treatment, like:
- allergy to metronidazole, parabens or other nitroimidazole antibiotics
There are some lifestyle choices which you may want to stop doing while taking metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis as they could reduce the effectiveness of the gel. These include:
- using a tampon (they may soak up the medicine)
Metronidazole gel is not advised for children under 18 years of age and the elderly. This is because the gel’s safety in these groups has yet to be tested.Can you take Metronidazole Gel when pregnant?
If you are pregnant or thinking of having a baby soon, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you take metronidazole gel. While metronidazole gel is thought to be safe to use while pregnant, it is only recommended if your doctor or pharmacist says so.
Can you take Metronidazole Gel while breastfeeding?
If you have been prescribed metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis, you should tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding.
Can you take Metronidazole Gel while on your period?
It is not advised to use metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis if you are on your period. When on your period, you should speak to your doctor about when to start treatment.
Medications that can interact with Metronidazole Gel
You should let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking, have recently taken, or plan to take other medicines during treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
Metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis can interact with certain medications, like:
- warfarin (used to prevent blood clotting)
- lithium (medicine to treat mental illness)
- 5-fluorouracil (medicine for skin problems and cancer treatment)
- Cyclosporin (a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases)
Can you drink alcohol when taking Metronidazole Gel?
If you drink alcohol while using metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis, this can make you feel or be sick. You may also get headaches, become confused, and your heartbeat may rise. You should not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole gel.
Can you take paracetamol with Metronidazole Gel?
You can take painkillers like paracetamol during metronidazole gel treatment. Although no interactions have been found between paracetamol and metronidazole gel, you should still speak to your doctor first before using.
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