Metronidazole 400mg Tablets belongs to a group of medicines called antibacterials. They work by killing many kinds of infection causing bacteria. Metronidazole can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis which is a bacterial infection of the vagina.
Metronidazole 400mg Tablets should be kept out of reach and sight of children. It should not be stored above 25 degrees celcius.
To read a patient information leaflet click here https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9238/pil
The manufacturer of the product supplied may vary. Please read the patient information leaflet that is provided with the product
About Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of an abnormal vaginal discharge in women of child bearing age.
Women with BV have an imbalance amongst the normal bacteria that are found in the vagina.
It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It can be easily treated with antibiotics. In a few women BV recurs and further treatment may be needed.
Having BV makes it easier for your body to be infected with a sexually transmitted infection, so we recommend that you should have routine tests for all STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, syphilis and HIV.
How common is BV?
BV is common - any woman can get it, including women in same sex relationships and women who have never had sex. It is estimated that one in ten women will get BV at some point in their life. It is common in pregnant women.
How do you get BV?
The cause of BV is not fully understood –it is not caught from a sexual partner but sexual activity may play a part. The vagina normally contains mostly ‘good‘ bacteria (called lactobacilli) which keep the vaginal fluid mildly acidic, and fewer ‘bad’ bacteria (called anaerobes). BV develops when there is an increase in the number of ‘bad’ bacteria and the chemistry of the vaginal fluid is disturbed and becomes more alkaline. Although we do not understand why some women get BV and others don’t we do recognise that some activities can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk.
These include: ï‚· Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners. ï‚· Douching (rinsing inside the vagina) or using vaginal washes or deodorants. ï‚· Smoking ï‚· Oral sex (licking of the vulva)
BV is not caught from toilet seats, swimming pools or Jacuzzis.
Take ONE tablet TWICE a day for 7 (Seven) days
When taking these tablets, you should follow the directions given to you by the doctor. Swallow the tablets whole - do not crush or chew the tablets - with a drink of water, during or after a meal.
If you take more tablets than required, you should contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. If you forget to take a dose, do not double up doses. Take the dose as soon as your remember and then take the next dose at the correct time.
You can then re-test for bacterial vaginosis
The active ingredient in these tablets is metronidazole. The other ingredients in the tablets may vary depending on the make of the tablets. Please read the information leaflet for the full details.
You should not take the metronidazole tablets if you are allergic to any ingredients in the tablets. You should speak to your doctor before taking the tablets if you have or have ever had a liver problem, you are having kidney dialysis or if you have a disease of the nervous system.
You should make sure to mention if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, especially if you take anti-coagulants, lithium, medicines used to treat epilepsy, 5-fluorouracil, busulfan, ciclosporin or disulfiram.
You should avoid drinking alcohol whilst taking the metronidazole as it may make you feel sick, confused, have an abnormally fast heart beat or get headaches. If this happens, stop drinking alcohol and speak to your doctor.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you should not take metronidazole as this may affect the pregnancy and metronidazole may pass into the mother's milk.
As with all medicines, metronidazole can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Please read the information leaflet regarding potential side effects. If you experience any odd side effects whilst using the cream or any of the side effects get severe, speak to your doctor.