Share: 
Metronidazole (Flagyl®, MetroCream®, MetroGel®, MetroGel-Vaginal®, MetroLotion®, Noritate®, Vandazole®) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. It comes in several different forms, such as tablets, skin creams and lotions, or vaginal cream. The medication is especially useful for infections caused by parasites and anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not require oxygen to survive).
(Click What is Metronidazole Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
In order to work, metronidazole must enter the bacteria or parasite cell. The cells then cause a chemical reaction to occur with the medication. This reaction produces free radicals, molecules that can damage and destroy cells. This is presumably how metronidazole works to kill bacteria or parasites.
General considerations for those taking metronidazole include the following:
- This medication comes in several different forms. The particular directions for each product can vary substantially, so be sure to refer to the information for your specific product.
- You can take regular, short-acting metronidazole tablets or capsules with food or on an empty stomach. However, long-acting, extended-release metronidazole tablets must be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not miss doses or stop taking this antibiotic earlier than your healthcare provider recommends, as bacterial resistance may develop.
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
eMedTV Links
Copyright © 2006-2013 Clinaero, Inc.
eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind. Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click Terms of Use for more information.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind. Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click Terms of Use for more information.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.