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Compare MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

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

Key takeaways

Metronidazole topical (Metrogel) and metronidazole (Flagyl) contain the same antibiotic but are used to treat different conditions. Metrogel is used topically to treat rosacea. Flagyl, on the other hand, is taken orally or by injection to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections. While Metrogel is applied as a thin film once daily, Flagyl is typically taken by mouth or injection three times a day, with dosing varying based on the infection. Metrogel is available in gel, lotion, and cream forms, while Flagyl comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets and capsules. Both medications are available as generics. Common side effects of Metrogel include nasopharyngitis and headaches, whereas Flagyl can cause nausea, a metallic taste, and headaches. You should avoid alcohol with Flagyl due to the risk of serious interactions, a concern not present with Metrogel.

  • Metrogel (metronidazole)
    Metronidazole (Flagyl)
  • Metrogel (metronidazole)
    Metronidazole (Flagyl)

  • Summary of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Metrogel (metronidazole) is used on the skin to treat a certain skin disorder known as rosacea, a type of adult acne. It may help to decrease redness, swelling and the number of pimples caused by rosacea.

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    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 of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

    Indications for
    •Adult acne
    Indications for

    Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

    •Trichomoniasis
    •Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
    •Serious bacterial infections, such as:
    •Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
    •Skin infections
    •Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
    •Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
    •Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
    •Heart infection (endocarditis)

  • Pros and Cons of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to lower the swelling due to adult acne.
    •It has fewer side effects than oral tablets.
    •It is available as a generic product.
    •There are different strengths of Metrogel (metronidazole) available.
    •Available as a gel, lotion and cream.
    •Can still wear make-up under Metrogel (metronidazole).
    •Can be used in elderly people.
    Cons
    •Can cause stinging, dryness, or irritation when applied.
    •It takes about 3-4 weeks to see significant improvement while using this medication.
    •Has to be used daily to see benefits from this medication.
    •Safety has not be studied in children.
    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    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
    •Immediate-release formulations needs to be taken multiple times a day for most infections
    •Serious interaction with alcohol
    •Can cause metallic taste in mouth
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasopharyngitis - a common cold that affects the nose and throat (3%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection - a cold that affects the nose, throat, and lungs (3%)
    •Headache (2%)

    ^Source: DailyMed^

    Common Side Effects for

    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 of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •EYE IRRITATION
    •WEAKNESS AND TINGLING SENSATION IN THE HANDS AND FEET
    •SKIN RASH
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Flagyl

    Learn more about Metrogel
    Learn more about Metronidazole

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