Metronidazole is a powerful antibiotic used to treat many infections caused by bacteria and parasites. It is available in oral, suppository, lotion, and topical forms. Metronidazole works by limiting the growth of certain bacteria and parasites, leading to their eventual elimination. This medication only works for infections caused by bacteria and parasites. Metronidazole will not work for sicknesses caused by viruses, such as the flu or the common cold. Can you use metronidazole on your period? This article discusses what you need to know about using metronidazole when you’re on your period.
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What is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is a potent antibiotic that is available in different forms. It treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites but is inadequate for diseases caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu.
Metronidazole is available as an oral tablet or capsule, suppository, cream or gel, and lotion for skin application. It is a prescription medication, which means you can only obtain it with a prescription from a qualified healthcare service provider.
Oral metronidazole comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablet forms, both taken by mouth. The immediate-release form is available under the brand name Flagyl, while the extended-release tablet is available under Flagyl ER. Both brand names are available as generic drugs that cost less than the brand-name versions. Flagyl ER is released into the body slowly, while the immediate-release tablets are released immediately.
Can you use metronidazole on your period?
Can you use metronidazole on your period? Metronidazole vaginal tablets and gel are generally safe to use when you’re on your period. The medication does not interfere with period bleeding and treats vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis can cause a lot of discomfort during menstruation.
You must talk to your healthcare provider before using this medication in any form. Your healthcare service provider will examine your symptoms and determine whether metronidazole is right for you.
Topical metronidazole is highly unlikely to affect your period directly. Metronidazole (Flagyl) gel is applied directly to the vagina to combat parasitic and bacterial infections. If you experience the following symptoms while using metronidazole, immediately discontinue the drug and speak to your doctor:
- Headache
- Irritation in the vagina
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Precautions before using metronidazole gel or cream
Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic that can cause unwanted complications when abused or misused. Before using this medication, there are necessary precautions to take.
Metronidazole interaction with other medications
Do not use metronidazole if you’ve taken other medications like disulfiram (Antabuse) within the last 2 weeks. Metronidazole may interact with disulfiram to cause some unwanted reactions.
Drinking on metronidazole may cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, headache, or redness of the face. Your doctor will also recommend that you avoid alcohol and medicines that contain alcohol, such as tonics, cough syrups, and elixirs, for at least 24 hours after using metronidazole. Do not drink alcohol on metronidazole.
Metronidazole interaction with menstrual products and contraceptives
Vaginal medications typically leak out of the vagina during treatment. Your doctor will recommend you wear a sanitary napkin or mini-pad to keep the gel from leaking out of your vagina. In addition, avoid using tampons so they don’t soak the medication and reduce its effectiveness.
Wearing freshly washed cotton panties instead of synthetic panties daily can help your treatment and ensure the infection doesn’t reoccur.
Avoid having sex while using Metro gel or cream, as it may reduce the efficacy of the medication and disrupt your treatment. Furthermore, the oils in vaginal tablets and creams can damage condoms and contraceptive devices, such as cervical caps and diaphragms.
In addition, avoid douches and vaginal care products unless explicitly advised to use them by your doctor.
How to use metronidazole gel
Metronidazole vaginal gel is typically safe for use during menstruation and does not interfere with menstrual bleeding. However, using the antibiotic gel appropriately is vital to avoid unwanted complications and adverse effects. Speak to your doctor before using the gel on your vagina.
You must use the metro gel as your doctor explicitly instructed. Only use the recommended quantity, and please only use it for shorter or longer than recommended by your doctor.
Metro gel usually comes with an applicator and instructions on administering this medication.
For example, Nuvessa has the gel in a prefilled applicator. The applicator is open at the end, where you’ll put the plunger, and has a cap on the opposite end where the gel comes out. Vandazole is available in a tube, and an applicator is needed to administer it.
How to fill a metro gel applicator
An applicator is required to use metronidazole gel correctly. An applicator is a plastic device with a barrel open at one end and a plunger. This device is inserted into the vagina before the gel is released.
To fill the applicator for gel or cream dosage forms;
For Nuvessa:
Push the tip of the plunger into the open end of the applicator with the pink cap still on. Remove the pink cap before inserting the applicator into your vagina.
For Vandazole:
Remove the metal seal at the opening of the tube using the point on the top of the cap before screwing the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the gel or cream into the applicator slowly till it is full; remove the applicator and replace the cap on the tube.
For vaginal tablets:
Wet the vaginal tablet for a few seconds after placing it in the applicator. Insert the tablet into your vagina using the applicator.
How to insert metronidazole with an applicator
It is vital to correctly apply this antibiotic medication so it can effectively eliminate the bacteria causing your infection.
Follow the following steps to insert metronidazole vaginal gel or tablet in your vagina.
Relax in a comfortable position (typically on your back with your knees bent)
Insert the applicator into your vagina in this position and slowly push the plunger until it stops.
Remove the applicator after the gel has been deposited into your vaginal.
When to see a doctor
Metronidazole is a potent antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites, including bacterial vaginosis symptoms. It cannot be obtained over the counter without a prescription. Metronidazole has many net advantages; however, misusing this medication may result in severe adverse effects. This is why talking to your doctor before using any form of metronidazole is vital.
Talk to your healthcare services provider if you notice the following symptoms while using metronidazole:
- Headache
- Irritation in the vagina
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Your doctor will examine your symptoms and determine the best action for your swift recovery.
Read also: Metronidazole Cream: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, More
Frequently Asked Questions
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that treats bacterial and parasitic infections such as bacterial vaginosis. However, when taken in high doses, there are indications that it can become a contraceptive. Various factors are linked to its use as a contraceptive. Further research may be conducted to identify the toxicological effect of high doses of this medication and compare its effectiveness to other regular contraceptives.
You can typically use most antibiotics when you’re on your period. For instance, Monistat doesn’t impact menstruation in any way. Another antibiotic option for mild yeast infection treatment during menstruation is fluconazole. Fluconazole is a single-dose oral medicine.
Your doctor may recommend you avoid rifampin when you’re menstruating. Studies show that this antibiotic may affect menstruation and cause unwanted reactions.
Yes, using metronidazole vaginal gel does not impact your menstruation. However, speaking to your doctor before using this medicine would be best.
Metronidazole treats infections caused by bacteria. It is effective in treating patients with tonsillitis and mononucleosis. It reduces the duration of fever and tonsillar size and is also used to treat acute nonstreptococcal tonsilitis. Metronidazole is known to be effective against streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep throat.
If you miss a dose of Metronidazole, you should take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, you can skip the dose if it is almost time for the next dose.
