Metronidazole (
Flagyl®, MetroCream
®, MetroGel
®, MetroGel-Vaginal
®, MetroLotion
®, Noritate
®, Vandazole
®) is a prescription antibiotic licensed to treat several different infections, including certain sexually transmitted infections. It is most commonly used for infections caused by parasites and anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen to survive.
This medication comes in many different forms. For the oral form of metronidazole, tablets and capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Flagyl 250 mg tablets
- Flagyl 500 mg tablets
- Flagyl 375 mg capsules
- Flagyl 750 ER mg tablets.
You can take regular, short-acting metronidazole tablets or capsules with food or on an empty stomach. However, the long-acting, extended-release tablets must be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. For the medicine 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.
(Click Metronidazole for information on how this medication works, what side effects to look out for during the treatment process, and more details on when and how to use this antibiotic.)
