What is Vandazole: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Vandazole overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • MetroGel-Vaginal, Nuvessa, Vandazole, Vandazole, Fem pH, MetroGel-Vaginal, Nuvessa, Relagard, Summer's Eve Douche, TopCare Feminine Douche, Trimo-San, Vandazole, Vandazole, Vandazole

Generic Names:

  • Metronidazole

Uses:

  • Treats vaginal infection caused by bacteria., Treats vaginal infections caused by certain kinds of bacteria.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibacterial, Antibacterial

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly

How it’s taken:

  • Into the vagina, Into the vagina

What is Vandazole used for?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections. Metronidazole belongs to a class of medications called nitroimidazoles. Metronidazole is a generic medication also sold under the trade name Flagyl manufactured by Pfizer. For the treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, metronidazole use is very common.

What form(s) does Vandazole come in

  • Gel/Jelly

What are common Vandazole doses?

  • Tube 70GM of 0.75%

Common Vandazole prescriptions

  • Vandazole
    70gm of 0.75% tube of gel

How to take Vandazole

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent (or in any position that you feel comfortable). Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Stop before it becomes uncomfortable. Push the plunger slowly all the way in.

  • Remove the applicator from your vagina. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

  • Unscrew the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube.

  • Take the cap off of the tube and break the metal seal at the opening of the tube by using the point on the top of the cap.

  • Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or skin. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out right away with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

  • The gel is in a tube. You will use an applicator to put the gel into your vagina. The applicator is a plastic tube called a barrel that is open at one end and has a plunger (another piece of plastic that can move inside the barrel) at the other end.

  • Screw the applicator onto the tube and squeeze the gel from the tube into the applicator slowly until the barrel is filled.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Keep using the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or skin. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out right away with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

  • Screw the applicator onto the tube and squeeze the gel from the tube into the applicator slowly until the barrel is filled.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Remove the applicator from your vagina. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

  • Take the cap off of the tube and break the metal seal at the opening of the tube by using the point on the top of the cap.

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent (or in any position that you feel comfortable). Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Stop before it becomes uncomfortable. Push the plunger slowly all the way in.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Keep using the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

  • The gel is in a tube. You will use an applicator to put the gel into your vagina. The applicator is a plastic tube called a barrel that is open at one end and has a plunger (another piece of plastic that can move inside the barrel) at the other end.

  • Unscrew the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cool water.

  • Vaginal routeWash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it. If the medicine comes with disposable applicators, use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cool water.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Vaginal routeWash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it. If the medicine comes with disposable applicators, use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Vandazole

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Vaginal routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Vaginal routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Vandazole contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metronidazole, other similar medicines (such as ornidazole, tinidazole, Fasigyn®, or Tindamax®), or parabens. You should not use this medicine if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse®) within the last 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or take medicine containing alcohol (such as cold or cough medicines). Wait at least 3 days after stopping metronidazole before drinking alcohol.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibacterial such as clindamycin (Cleocin®), lincomycin (Lincocin®), or metronidazole (MetroGel®). You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis, or colitis from using antibiotics.

Vandazole warnings

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

  • Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have confusion, drowsiness, fever, a general feeling of illness, a headache, loss of appetite, nausea, a stiff neck or back, or vomiting. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called aseptic meningitis.

  • Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. These could be symptoms of a condition called peripheral neuropathy.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Vaginal routeKeep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Do not have sex while you are being treated with this medicine. Some vaginal infections are spread during sex. To keep from passing the infection back and forth, your partner may also need to have treatment for the infection.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, leukopenia (low white blood cells), epilepsy (seizures), optic neuropathy (eye disease with vision changes), or peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease with pain, numbness, or tingling).

  • Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have dizziness, problems with muscle control or coordination, shakiness or an unsteady walk, slurred speech, or trouble with speaking. These may be symptoms of a serious brain condition called encephalopathy.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have any nerve disorders, liver disease, or a history of alcohol abuse.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

  • Vaginal routeKeep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

  • Do not have sexual intercourse while you are using this medicine and for 3 days after your treatment ends.

  • Unusual bleeding.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Vaginal pain.

Vandazole interactions

  • Vaginal routeAvoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Vaginal routeKeep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), disulfiram (Antabuse®), lithium, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

  • Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat a muscle disorder, such as ambenonium (Mytelase®), neostigmine (Prostigmin®), or pyridostigmine (Mestinon®).

  • Drinking alcohol while using this medicine may cause vomiting, dizziness, flushing, or other serious reactions. Do not drink alcohol while you are being treated with metronidazole and for at least 3 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that may contain alcohol such as some cough syrups, elixirs, and liquid cold medicines.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using lithium (Eskalith®, LIthobid®) or a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Vaginal routeAvoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. These could be symptoms of a condition called peripheral neuropathy.

  • Do not have sex while you are being treated with this medicine. Some vaginal infections are spread during sex. To keep from passing the infection back and forth, your partner may also need to have treatment for the infection.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

  • Vaginal routeKeep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Vandazole side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Menstrual-type pain.

  • Diarrhea that may contain blood.

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.

  • Problems with urination.

  • Seizure.

  • Unusual bleeding.

  • Vaginal pain.

  • Thick, white vaginal discharge.

  • Seizures (convulsions).

  • Sharp stomach cramps or pain.

  • Vaginal itching or burning.

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.

  • Burning feeling when you urinate or having to urinate more often.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain.

  • Skin rash or itching.

  • Unusual or metallic taste, dry mouth.

  • Decreased appetite.

  • Pain or tenderness of the breasts.

  • Headache or dizziness.

  • Sore throat.

  • Headache.

  • Pain in your pelvic area.

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.

  • Diarrhea or constipation.

  • Mild skin rash or itching.

  • Dry mouth.

  • Mild vaginal burning or dryness.

  • Vaginal itching or discharge.