Flagyl (Metronidazole)

Medicine Uses

Flagyl (me-troe-NIH-duh-zole) is used to treat parasitic infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess and amebic dysentery, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and carriers of trichomonas (both sexual partners) who do not have symptoms of infection. Flagyl is used alone or in combination with other antibiotics in treating abscesses in the liver, pelvis, abdomen and brain caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. This medication is also used in treating infection of the colon and in combination with other drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) that causes stomach or intestinal ulcers.

How to use

Flagyl is an oral drug taken with food. Strictly follow the dosage prescribed by your medical practitioner. Taking Flagyl at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Complete the full course even if you strat feeling better befor it is finished in order to celan up your body from infection.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

Store Flagyl bellow 86 °F (30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Depakote out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Flagyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Flagyl, if you have a history of metabolic disease, blood disease, HIV, high blood levels of ammonia or glutamine, low levels of albumin, brain problems (eg, organic brain disease), mental retardation, inflammation of the pancreas, kidney problems, or low levels of white blood cells, or if you are scheduled for surgery, have a history of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency or unexplained coma, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding, if you are taking busulfan, an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergotamine), or you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks, if you drink alcohol, if you are taking busulfan, an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergotamine), or you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks. Some drugs can interact with Flagyl, make your doctor aware if you are taking any of the following-Disulfiram because side effects, such as mental or mood changes, may occur;Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or phenytoin because they may decrease Flagyl 's effectiveness;Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), busulfan, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), HIV protease inhibitors that contain alcohol (eg, amprenavir solution), lithium, or macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Flagyl;Oral contraceptives (eg, birth control pills) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Flagyl.Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.Flagyl treats bacteria only, so it does not work against viral infections (eg, the common cold).Long–term or repeated use of Flagyl may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Flagyl . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).Flagyl may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Flagyl .ab tests, including liver function and white blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Flagyl . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.Use Flagyl with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.Flagyl should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

Possible Side Effects

Among possible side effects are- Appetite loss; diarrhea; headache; constipation; dizziness; metallic taste; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting. Seek for medical help if you experience- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; increased or decreased urination; numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms, hands, legs, or feet; seizures; severe diarrhea; sore throat, chills, or fever; stomach pain or cramps; vaginal itching, odor, or discharge; white patches in the mouth.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. The data is general and shouldn't be trusted for every aim.