Metronidazole® Tablets for Bacterial Infections

Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic for anaerobic bacterial and certain protozoal infections. It treats conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. You can order through our service with US shipping from Canada, which may help if paying without insurance.

What Metronidazole Is and How It Works

Metronidazole® is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal that targets susceptible anaerobic organisms. Inside these microbes, nitro groups are reduced to reactive intermediates that bind DNA. This disrupts nucleic acid synthesis and can lead to cell death. Activity includes many Bacteroides species, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia.

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Typical uses span pelvic and intra-abdominal infections caused by anaerobes, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and certain protozoal intestinal infections. Dental and periodontal infections with anaerobic involvement are also common indications. See our Bacterial Infections category for related therapies and information.

Some patients receive combination therapy when polymicrobial infection is suspected. Clinicians often pair this treatment with agents that cover aerobic gram-negative organisms when appropriate. Metronidazole 500 mg tablets are widely prescribed for adult regimens determined by the prescriber.

Who It’s For

This medicine is used for adults and, in some cases, pediatric patients when indicated on labeling. It addresses anaerobic and protozoal infections diagnosed by a clinician. It is not used for viral illnesses such as colds or flu.

People with a history of hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles should not take it. Those with significant liver disease may require special consideration. Avoid alcohol during therapy and for a period after therapy due to a disulfiram-like reaction risk. Generic Flagyl 500 mg references the same active ingredient as this generic therapy, but final selection should follow your prescription.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the exact directions on your prescription label. Adult oral regimens vary by condition and severity. For bacterial vaginosis, clinicians often prescribe twice-daily dosing over several days; for trichomoniasis, a single-dose or multi-day regimen may be used. Protozoal intestinal infections generally require multi-day courses.

Swallow tablets with water. You may take the dose with food if stomach upset occurs. Do not drink alcohol during treatment and for a period after the last dose as advised on the label. Metronidazole 500 mg oral tablet dosing schedules are individualized; always follow the labeled plan provided by your prescriber.

Complete the full course even if symptoms improve sooner. Stopping early may allow organisms to persist and symptoms to return.

Strengths and Forms

Oral presentations commonly include tablets in multiple strengths. Some markets also have extended-release tablets for specific indications. Availability may differ by pharmacy and manufacturer.

Prescribers often select the strength based on the infection and patient factors. Extended-release presentations are not interchangeable with immediate-release tablets for all uses. Flagyl 500 mg tablets are a branded reference; dispensed products may be a therapeutically equivalent generic as written by your prescriber.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a scheduled dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. For single-dose regimens, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance if a dose is missed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, closed tightly, and protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry your medicine in a labeled container with a copy of your prescription. Use a small organizer for short trips, but keep the label handy for security checks. Avoid excess heat, and do not store in a car glovebox for long periods.

Pack enough supply for the full course, plus a little extra in case of travel delays. When flying, keep medicines in your carry-on. If you also use injectable products for other conditions, your clinician may recommend separate storage and handling supplies; see our article on BD Needles for general device information.

Benefits

This therapy offers targeted activity against susceptible anaerobic bacteria and select protozoa. Oral dosing supports outpatient treatment across several labeled infections. Generic availability can improve access. The treatment is often combined with other agents when broader coverage is needed. Completing the prescribed course supports clinical resolution and reduces recurrence risk.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Metallic taste
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Darkened urine
• Dizziness

Serious but uncommon effects may include seizures, encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, severe skin reactions, liver injury, or blood dyscrasias. Stop therapy and seek medical care immediately if severe reactions occur. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for a period afterward due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction. People with a history of blood disorders or significant hepatic impairment may require careful monitoring. Use during pregnancy or lactation should follow the clinician’s judgment and product labeling.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Check all medicines and supplements with a pharmacist or clinician before starting therapy. Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists can have enhanced anticoagulant effects; monitoring may be required. Disulfiram can cause severe reactions when combined or used in close proximity. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment and for a period after the last dose.

Phenytoin and phenobarbital may lower levels, while cimetidine can increase levels. Lithium, busulfan, and certain other agents may interact and require close supervision. Some binding agents can reduce GI absorption of other drugs; your prescriber may advise spacing with agents such as Sucralfate when appropriate. Immunosuppressants can raise infection risk; see Tacrolimus Hgc for context on this class. Always review the full interaction list on the official label.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptoms may begin to improve after doses are started, but full resolution can take time. Taste changes and mild stomach upset may occur and often lessen as treatment continues. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your prescriber. Completing your entire course helps prevent relapse and supports sustained control of the infection.

Compare With Alternatives

Alternatives depend on the organism and site of infection. Clinicians may consider tinidazole for some protozoal infections and a single-dose option in certain cases. For bacterial vaginosis, topical clindamycin or other systemic choices may be used when appropriate. We also carry antimicrobials for different pathogens, such as Terbinafine for fungal infections. The best option depends on culture data, allergy history, and labeling.

Pricing and Access

Generic medicines often cost less than brands, and pricing can vary by manufacturer and quantity. Check the current Metronidazole 500 mg price on this page to compare options. You can add the item to your cart to view available pack sizes and see current pricing.

Orders are processed with US delivery from Canada. Savings depend on your prescription details and quantity. For private-pay customers, comparing per-tablet pricing across sizes can help you identify value. Our checkout uses encrypted processing to protect your information. If you have insurance, your prescriber may still direct you to a cash-pay option for convenience.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and strength. If a particular pack is unavailable, a therapeutically equivalent generic may be offered when your prescription allows. For cross-border orders, Metronidazole 500 mg from Canada may be dispensed from licensed Canadian pharmacies. Your prescriber determines if a substitution is appropriate.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may be suitable for adults with confirmed anaerobic or protozoal infections listed on the label. People with severe liver disease, a history of neuropathy, or hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles should discuss risks before starting therapy. Avoid alcohol during therapy and afterward as directed. For repeat or complex regimens, ask whether a larger quantity is appropriate to avoid gaps.

To help manage costs, consider larger pack sizes when clinically appropriate, as per-unit pricing may be lower. Set refill reminders for multi-day courses so you do not miss doses. If you manage other conditions, you may also find our article on Common Diabetes Medications useful for general education.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which infection is being treated and how was it diagnosed?
• What oral schedule and duration are recommended for my case?
• Should I avoid alcohol for a set period after the last dose?
• Which medicines, vitamins, or supplements could interact?
• What side effects should prompt immediate medical attention?
• Is lab monitoring needed during therapy?
• What should I do if symptoms persist after the course?
• Are there non-oral options if I cannot tolerate tablets?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Metronidazole Tablets Labeling

Health Canada DPD: Metronidazole

FDA Label: Flagyl (metronidazole) Tablets

To proceed, add the item to your cart and continue checkout. Orders Ships from Canada to US with prompt, express shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.