During my annual pap, I was diagnosed with having mild vaginitis and was given flagyl. I started taking it today (500mg) and then thought "why couldn't I just take something like Monistat?". I had never taken any antibiotic like this before and didn't realize how intense it is before I started reading up on it. I'm even more irritated that I'll have to double-up on BC since I'm also on the pill. Did I really need to start taking this?
My second question is about alcohol. I haven't experienced any kind of side effects today. I took one dose at 4:30 am and the second at 2pm. Can I have a glass of wine, say around 8 or 9 pm without becoming violently ill? I'd appreciate any help!

Briefly, Vaginitis is bacterial infection. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, so yes it is important to take the antibiotic.
Monistat treats yeast infection. They are different things.
I don't know about the alcohol with the Flagyl. If it says not to take alcohol on the lable or in the instruction sheet that came with the RX, than alcohol should probably be avoided. It is important to follow the instructions that come with the RX, for it to work properly.

During my annual pap, I was diagnosed with having mild vaginitis and was given flagyl. I started taking it today (500mg) and then thought "why couldn't I just take something like Monistat?". I had never taken any antibiotic like this before and didn't realize how intense it is before I started reading up on it. I'm even more irritated that I'll have to double-up on BC since I'm also on the pill. Did I really need to start taking this?
My second question is about alcohol. I haven't experienced any kind of side effects today. I took one dose at 4:30 am and the second at 2pm. Can I have a glass of wine, say around 8 or 9 pm without becoming violently ill? I'd appreciate any help!


I agree with the above post.

Although, I don't understand why you're doubling up on your birth control. That makes no sense, unless you mean that you're using condoms or something else IN ADDITION to the pill. Taking 2 pills isn't going to counteract the possible pill efficacy. You'll need to use a back-up method or abstain for at least 7 days after taking the last antibiotic to protect against pregnancy.

As far as alcohol, that's a BIG NO. Flagyl interacts chemically with alcohol, and it can/will make you very, very ill. Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during Flagyl therapy. This isn't just a "it's not a good idea," it's a BIG "no-no." Patients are to be reinforced of this during couseling.

Flagyl will help treat that infection...and definitely alcohol is NO!!!