Divagyl (Metronidazole) 400 mg Tablets: Uses, Side Effects, and Important Information

What it is

Divagyl is a brand of metronidazole. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine that works by killing certain parasites and bacteria. It belongs to a class of drugs called nitroimidazoles.

What it's used for

Divagyl 400 mg tablets are used to treat trichomoniasis, an infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is used when the infection is confirmed by a lab test (wet smear or culture). It can be used for both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections in females, and also in males when the infection is present.

How it's taken

Divagyl tablets are taken by mouth. For trichomoniasis in women, treatment is typically a one-day course: a total of 2 grams (five 400 mg tablets) given either as a single dose or divided into two doses of 1 gram each on the same day. Another option is a seven-day course of 250 mg three times daily. The exact dose and duration should be decided by a doctor based on individual needs.

Common side effects

Common side effects may include nausea, headache, metallic taste, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects involve the central nervous system, such as seizures, brain inflammation (encephalopathy), meningitis, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) causing numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Serious skin reactions (severe cutaneous adverse reactions) like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have also been reported. Patients should stop taking the medicine and contact a doctor immediately if they experience any of these serious effects.

Important cautions

Do not take Divagyl if you are allergic to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole drugs. It is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. Avoid alcohol or any products containing alcohol while taking this medicine and for at least 48 hours after finishing, as it can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and headache. Also, do not take disulfiram (a medicine used for alcohol dependence) while on metronidazole, as it may cause psychotic reactions. If you have a history of liver disease or blood disorders, your doctor should monitor you closely. Because long-term use can lead to nerve damage that may not go away, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Frequently asked questions