How and when to take or use metronidazole

Some infections can be treated with a single dose, while other infections may need a 2-week course. If you're prescribed a 2-week course of tablets, you'll usually take them 2 or 3 times a day.

Children's doses are lower and depend on the age or weight of your child.

Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole suppositories if you have difficulty swallowing medicines. You'll usually use them 3 times a day, although you may be told to use them twice daily if you are going to continue treatment with suppositories for longer than 3 days.

Dosage for cream or gel

If you're prescribed metronidazole cream or gel for rosacea, you'll normally use it twice a day for about 2 months. Treatment can sometimes last longer. It is important to continue using the treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.

If you're using the cream or gel for a skin infection, or infected ulcers or wounds, you'll usually put it on once or twice a day.

Follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions and continue treatment until your infection has healed.

Dosage for vaginal gel

For treating bacterial vaginosis, you'll use an applicator to put the metronidazole gel into your vagina.

The usual dose for treating bacterial vaginosis is 1 applicator full, every night for 5 nights.