Swelling and infection in the vaginal area can be caused by bacteria, fungi, irritation, poor hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, or changes in vaginal pH. Metronidazole is often prescribed for certain vaginal infections, especially those caused by bacteria. Many people start to feel better, with less discharge, swelling, odour, or discomfort, after beginning treatment. This medicine is usually safe when taken as your doctor recommends, but some people may have side effects like nausea, stomach upset, a metallic taste, or dizziness. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can cause unpleasant reactions. To help with healing, keep the area clean and dry, avoid scented products, and wear loose cotton underwear to reduce irritation. Having sex may sometimes make discomfort worse until the infection clears up. If your swelling gets worse, itching increases, you develop a fever, notice thick white discharge, feel pain when urinating, or your symptoms do not improve after finishing treatment, please see your doctor again. You may need a different treatment if the infection has not cleared.

A bad or metallic taste in the mouth and reduced appetite are common side effects reported with Metronidazole. Many people notice these symptoms within the first few doses, and they often improve after the medicine course is completed. Mild nausea, stomach discomfort, or dryness in the mouth can also happen while taking this medicine. If your doctor prescribed it for a stomach infection, it is usually better not to stop the antibiotic suddenly on your own because incomplete treatment may not clear the infection properly. Taking the tablet after food and drinking enough water may help reduce stomach-related side effects. Avoid alcohol completely while using this medicine and for a couple of days after finishing it, because it can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and flushing. Please contact your doctor if you develop severe vomiting, rash, breathing difficulty, numbness, intense stomach pain, or if the side effects become very difficult to tolerate. Your doctor can then decide whether the medicine should be continued or changed.