Uses of Metronidazole Injection:

• It is used to treat infections.
• It is used to prevent infections during bowel surgery.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Metronidazole Injection?

• If you have an allergy to metronidazole or any other part of metronidazole injection.
• If you are allergic to metronidazole injection; any part of metronidazole injection; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks.
• If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant. This medicine is not for use in certain patients who are less than 12 weeks pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed for 24 hours after getting metronidazole injection.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with metronidazole injection.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take metronidazole injection with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Metronidazole Injection?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take metronidazole injection. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take metronidazole injection.
• Avoid alcohol and products that have alcohol or propylene glycol in them while taking metronidazole injection and for at least 72 hours after your last dose. Drinking alcohol or taking products that have alcohol or propylene glycol in them, like some cough syrups, may cause cramps, upset stomach, headaches, and flushing.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with your doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
• Nervous system problems have happened with metronidazole injection. Some people who took metronidazole injection for a long time have had nerve problems that lasted for a long time. Call your doctor right away if you have a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal; change in balance or eyesight; dizziness or passing out; headache; not able to sleep; seizures; or trouble speaking. Call your doctor right away if you feel confused, depressed, irritable, tired, or weak.
• If you are 65 or older, use metronidazole injection with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using metronidazole injection while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Metronidazole Injection) best taken?

Use metronidazole injection as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Redness or white patches in mouth or throat.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• This medicine may raise the chance of a very bad brain problem called aseptic meningitis. Call your doctor right away if you have a headache, fever, chills, very upset stomach or throwing up, stiff neck, rash, bright lights bother your eyes, feeling sleepy, or feeling confused.
• Low white blood cell counts have happened with metronidazole injection. This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Some people with Cockayne syndrome have had liver problems when taking metronidazole injection. Sometimes, this has been deadly. If you have Cockayne syndrome and are taking metronidazole injection, call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Metronidazole Injection?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or feeling less hungry.
• Stomach cramps.
• Metallic taste.
• Joint pain.
• Lowered interest in sex.
• Irritation where metronidazole injection is given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Metronidazole Injection?

• If you need to store metronidazole injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about metronidazole injection, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

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