It happens when there's too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 1 May 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Metronidazole is available as an oral pill or vaginal gel; the choice of pill or gel is based on the person's preferences. Follow the directions on the prescription label. A usual course of treatment lasts for five nights. BV discharge 3 months ago with antibiotics. Metronidazole vaginal gel is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Still looking for answers? Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time. Advertisement. Be prepared to discuss the color, consistency and smell of the discharge, as well as any itching and whether it appears related to havingsexor your menstrual cycle, Dr. Goje advises. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. What happens if you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole vaginal gel? The previous warning against simultaneous use of alcohol and metronidazole was based on laboratory experiments and individual case histories in which the reported reactions were equally likely to have been caused by alcohol alone or by adverse effects of metronidazole. I'm taking metronidazole 500 mg tabs I'm on the third day and I had sex, does that do anything with me taking the medication? One key factor can indicate what may be at play color. Studies have evaluated the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of intravaginal Lactobacillus and other probiotic formulations to treat BV and restore normal vaginal microbiota (10211025); overall, no studies support these products as an adjunctive or replacement therapy for women with BV. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. It's been 4 days and I'm still experiencing some unusual discharge. . The gel also contains carbomer 974P, edetate disodium, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, and sodium hydroxide. Just before your ovary releases an egg (known as ovulation), your discharge may be clear and wet or gummy like the consistency of an egg white. over a year ago. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: metallic taste or other change in taste sensation. However, a pilot study reported that male partner treatment (i.e., metronidazole 400 mg orally 2 times/day in conjunction with 2% clindamycin cream applied topically to the penile skin 2 times/day for 7 days) of women with recurrent BV had an immediate and sustained effect on the composition of the vaginal microbiota, with an overall decrease in bacterial diversity at day 28 (1034). Let your provider know if you have a history of nervous system problems before using metronidazole vaginal gel. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. You may get drowsy or dizzy. A few weeks ago I got a pap and everything came back normal, so if it's more than just a bacterial infection from my PH levels being off, wouldn't there have been some, if any, red flags then? GoodRx works to make its website accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Your provider might need prescribe a different medication for you. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor. I've read many articles saying that BV is accompanied by a thick, cloudy, mucousydischarge, and haven't read many articles or discussion boards from women having BV with brown discharge. Vaginal diseases: Vaginal bacterial infection, Symptoms and signs of implantation bleeding, Implantation bleeding or spotting - the first indication of pregnancy, Nutritional Values of White and Brown Sugar. They can be performed on either clinician- or self-collected vaginal specimens with results available in <24 hours, depending on the availability of the molecular diagnostic platform (1002). All rights reserved. Sometimes a discharge is not apparent. They might recommend that you pump and discard breastmilk while you're using metronidazole vaginal gel and for 2 days after your last dose. If you're breastfeeding, discuss with your provider other ways to feed your baby during treatment with this medication. We take your privacy seriously. unprotected sex, ECP taken one day late, brown discharge, it. The infection may clear without treatment, or it can be treated with an antibacterial gel such as metronidazole. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. It's almost always accompanied by a fishy odor, a key signifier that the bacteria is out of whack down there. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Viagra vs. Cialis vs. Other Popular ED Meds: Which One Is Best? How are you to know which is which? All women with BV should be tested for HIV and other STIs. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Brown Discharge After Period: What Does It Mean? Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, Dr. Goje warns, so its important to get tested.. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines. Metronidazole vaginal gel is a prescription medication used to treat an infection of the vagina called bacterial vaginosis. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Dr. Frank Kuitems answered Internal Medicine 37 years experience thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor Less common Burning on urination or need to urinate more often burning or irritation of the penis of the sexual partner feeling of vaginal pressure itching, pain, stinging, or redness of the genital area Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Compare a few possible alternatives below. It does affect bleeding so it sounds like you were starting to bleed before your. Manufacturer's PIL, Zidoval Vaginal Gel; Mylan Products Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker. Bacterial vaginosis(BV) is a common condition. Lower doses produce a lower concentration in breast milk and are considered compatible with breastfeeding (1052,1053). Learn more here. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your provider so you can get the appropriate treatment. And it messed with your pills ability to keep you on schedule. Metronidazole vaginal gel can pass into breast milk. The discharge and odor are most notable after sex, or you might notice them before and after your period, Dr. Goje says. Although BV-associated bacteria can be identified on male genitalia (996,997), treatment of male sex partners has not been beneficial in preventing the recurrence of BV (998). NOTE: This sheet is a summary. Metronidazole is secreted in breast milk. A notable feature is the appearance of a polymicrobial biofilm on vaginal epithelial cells (970). While this medication maybe prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. I finished the medication Monday night. Grayish discharge may also be a sign of an STI, including some of the ones weve already discussed: How to deal: See your Ob/Gyn for STI testing and appropriate treatment (usually a pill or a regimen of pills to clear things up). The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about metronidazole, and it will also explain how to use the gel and applicator. The information contained in the Truven Health Micromedex products as delivered by GoodRx is intended as an educational aid only. Theyre fast, easy-to-use and free! Metronidazole information for Healthcare Professionals. bacterial vaginosis cant get rid of it!!!!! Do not freeze. How to deal: Your doctor can test you for gonorrhea and treat it with antibiotic pills or shots. Did they do a culture of the discharge?Do you have a fever or abdominal pain?If so, call your doc in the morning. Then remove the applicator and throw it away (it can be wrapped in toilet paper and disposed of in a waste bin). In a phase 3 clinical trial of secnidazole 2 g oral granules versus placebo, BV clinical cure rates at days 2130 were 53% in the secnidazole arm compared with 19% in the placebo arm (p<0.001) (1013). There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of metronidazole vaginal gel. Are you still menstruating? No data are available that directly compare the efficacy of oral and topical medications for treating BV. Finally, the FemExam Test Card (Cooper Surgical) measures vaginal pH, presence of trimethylamine (a metabolic by-product of G. vaginalis), and proline aminopeptidase (1005). Saving Lives, Protecting People, Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021, https://nuvessa.com/nuvessa_files/19_Nuvessa_WEB_Card_032819.pdf, https://www.clindesse.com/pdf/CLINDESSE_SavingsCard.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/?report=classic, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Retesting After Treatment to Detect Repeat Infections, HIV Infection: Detection, Counseling, and Referral, Diseases Characterized by Genital, Anal, or Perianal Ulcers, Neurosyphilis, Ocular Syphilis, and Otosyphilis, Syphilis Among Persons with HIV Infection, Managing Persons Who Have a History of Penicillin Allergy, Diseases Characterized by Urethritis and Cervicitis, Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults, Gonococcal Infections Among Infants and Children, Vulvovaginal Itching, Burning, Irritation, Odor or Discharge, Terms and Abbreviations Used in This Report, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Homogeneous, thin discharge (milklike consistency) that smoothly coats the vaginal walls, Clue cells (e.g., vaginal epithelial cells studded with adherent bacteria) on microscopic examination, A fishy odor of vaginal discharge before or after addition of 10% KOH (i.e., the whiff test). Early Pregnancy Cramping: What Is Normal, And What Isn't? The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with metronidazole vaginal gel. This test has been reported to be most useful for symptomatic women in conjunction with vaginal pH measurement and presence of amine odor (sensitivity of 97%); specificity is 81% compared with Nugent. It could have been a bit of bleeding from the infection irritating the endometrium or cervix. Sounds like the infection is cleared and you should resume a normal cycle the following month. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Two of these assays are FDA cleared (BD Max Vaginal Panel and Aptima BV), and the other three are laboratory-developed tests. I am very stress thinking it might be cervical cancer. Scientific outline of proposed treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis, thick brown lumpy discharge and a yeast infection. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your gel. seizures, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, damage to the eye) have been reported in people who use oral or intravenous (IV) metronidazole. It is caused by an overgrowth of one type of bacteria in the vagina. Theyre equally safe and effective, but they differ a bit in how fast they work, how long they last, and how much they cost. There hasn't been any cancer studies with metronidazole vaginal gel, but keep in mind that it gets absorbed much less in your body compared to the oral version of this medication. Unfortunately, I get my period in 3 days (I'm on birth control, and take the pill religiously, so it always comes on the same time of day every month), so I'm experiencing some mild to moderate cramping along with this dark brown discharge. If youre sexually active, be sure to practice safe sex and see your Ob/Gyn annually for your well-woman visit. Side effects?. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Clindamycin 300 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days, Clindamycin ovules 100 mg* intravaginally once at bedtime for 3 days, Secnidazole 2 g oral granules in a single dose, Tinidazole 2 g orally once daily for 2 days, Tinidazole 1 g orally once daily for 5 days. Diarrhea is a side effect of most antibiotics. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. A red or brown color is usually a sign of blood in your discharge, and it can even range all the way to an almost-black hue. however 3 weeks later symptoms are showing again. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Ask your provider when it's safe to have a drink after your treatment with metronidazole vaginal gel, since this will depend on the brand you're using. Before using metronidazole vaginal gel (BV gel), How to use metronidazole vaginal gel (BV gel), Getting the most from your metronidazole vaginal gel (BV gel) treatment, Metronidazole vaginal gel (BV gel) side effects and problems, Important information about all medicines, Notes on Metronidazole vaginal gel for bacterial vaginosis - Zidoval, https://patient.info/medicine/metronidazole-vaginal-gel-for-bacterial-vaginosis-zidoval, British National Formulary, 79th Edition (Mar 2020), Metronidazole for bacterial infection (Flagyl), This should improve as your infection is treated, If troublesome, ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller, Take care when driving and when using using tools or machines, Stick to simple meals - avoid rich or spicy foods, If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below. Generic metronidazole vaginal gel: Vaginal discharge (12%) Vaginal yeast infection (10%) Irritated vagina (9%) Stomach upset (7%) Headache (5%) Other side effects Dizziness Headache Nausea Sore throat Unusual taste Rash Breast pain Vaginal itching Menstrual cramps Diarrhea Abnormal vaginal bleeding Source: DailyMed Use the gel for the correct number of days in total. How long will this discharge last, or should normally last? Use the medicine once a day in the evening for 10 or 20 days. Rosacea and acne share similar symptoms and treatments. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. Rosacea is one skin condition no one wants to face, but relief is out there. Notify your doctor for sure.Drink lots of water.Did you read the dietary recommendations on the medical info from the pharmacy?Let me know if you dont have them.You also know iUDs can be a source of infection.You know diabetics have slow healing and susceptible to infection.Let us know how you are doing.Be well:-), Hi, They did not do the culture of the discharge, and I do have a severe pain in my lower abdomen, but my doctor said that its normal because I only had my IUD in for 2 months. Which Antibiotics Are Less Likely to Cause Diarrhea From C. diff? A Nugent score of 03 is consistent with a Lactobacillus-predominant vaginal microbiota, 46 with intermediate microbiota (emergence of G. vaginalis), and 710 with BV. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Metronidazole 0.75% gel, intravaginally twice weekly for four to six . Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. But did you know discolored urine is often due to medications? Copyright 2023 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.