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Fluconazole vs. Metronidazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluconazole (Diflucan) and metronidazole (Flagyl) are both medications used to treat infections, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Fluconazole is an azole antifungal used to treat fungal infections like vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush, while metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic used for bacterial and parasitic infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Fluconazole is available in oral and injectable forms and is typically taken once daily, whereas metronidazole is taken orally, often multiple times a day. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of fluconazole include headache and nausea, while metronidazole can cause a metallic taste and nausea. You should avoid alcohol with both medications, but metronidazole has a more severe interaction with alcohol, causing symptoms like nausea and headaches. Fluconazole can interact with many medications, including warfarin and atorvastatin, while metronidazole can interact with disulfiram and lithium.

Fluconazole

(Diflucan)

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Metronidazole

(Flagyl)

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Summary for Fluconazole

Prescription only

Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat different types of Candida infections, such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. It can also treat a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a tablet and suspension. It's taken by mouth as a one-time dose for vaginal yeast infections; it's typically taken once daily for other types of infections. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well-tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can raise the risk of liver problems, so you're recommend to avoiding drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Indications for Fluconazole

Pros and Cons for Fluconazole

Pros

  • Taken once daily for most infections
  • Considered acceptable to take while breastfeeding
  • Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Common Side Effects for Fluconazole

Single dose for vaginal yeast infection:

  • Headache (13%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)

Multiple doses for other infections:

  • Nausea (4%)
  • Headache (2%)
  • Skin rash (2%)
  • Vomiting (2%)
  • Stomach pain (2%)
  • Diarrhea (2%)

Warnings for Fluconazole

  • Liver damage
  • Allergic reaction
  • Severe skin reaction
  • Harm to unborn babies

Summary for Metronidazole

Prescription only

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Metronidazole

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

Pros and Cons for Metronidazole

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
  • Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metronidazole

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

  • Headache (18%)
  • Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
  • Nausea (10%)
  • Metallic taste (9%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (6%)

Warnings for Metronidazole

  • Possible risk of cancer
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Brain and nerve problems
  • Liver and kidney problems
  • Risk of fungal infection
  • Risk of drug resistance
  • Lower white blood cell counts
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Fluconazole vs. Metronidazole

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluconazole2 tablets / 150mg
$10.16$46.33
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Metronidazole14 tablets / 500mg
$11.03$14.99
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