Flagyl

The active ingredient in Flagyl is metronidazole, which is a nitroimidazole antibiotic. By destroying their genetic material, it eliminates parasites and bacteria.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Flagyl. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Flagyl:

• Flagyl is typically administered orally, 3 times a day.
• If you are taking the oral suspension, give it a shake before taking it. Use the provided measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) to measure your dose.
• Do not chew, break, or crush the extended-release tablet; instead, swallow it whole.
• To prevent reinfection, your sexual partner may also need to take Flagyl while you are treating a vaginal infection.
• Typically, Flagyl is used for ten consecutive days. A few weeks later, you might need to take this dosage again.
• Even if your symptoms subside rapidly, continue using this medication. If you miss doses, your infection may become resistant to treatment. A viral infection, such as the flu or a common cold, cannot be treated with Flagyl.
• A vaginal yeast infection cannot be treated with Flagyl. You might even get a new vaginal yeast infection, in which case antifungal medicine might be required. If you experience symptoms like itching or discharge while taking Flagyl or after, let your doctor know.

The most common side effects of metronidazole include:

• Inflammation of vagina.
• Headaches.
• Nausea.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Metallic taste.
• Constipation.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach pain.
• Joint pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Flagyl. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Seizures, numbness in the hands and feet, eye pain, headaches, vertigo, disorientation, slurred speech, irritability, depression, weakness, and difficulty sleeping are examples of central nervous system toxicity.
• Severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction symptoms include skin rash, skin blistering or peeling, hives, severe mouth or eye sores, fever, dyspnoea, and enlarged lymph nodes.
• Feeling ill or weak, urinating less frequently than normal, disorientation, blood in the urine, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet are all signs of kidney difficulties.
• Liver issues include dark urine, light stool, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and pain in the right side of the stomach.
• §§Severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flagyl. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Flagyl, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease, or if you're receiving dialysis.
• An irregular heartbeat.
• An intestinal or stomach condition, such as Crohn's disease.
• A blood cell condition, such as low white blood cell (WBC) numbers or anemia (lack of red blood cells).
• An infection caused by fungi anywhere in your body.
• An illness of the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy).
• Drank alcohol in the past 3 days.
• Consumed foods or medicines that contain propylene glycol in the past 3 days.
• Took disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days.

• Pregnancy-related trichomoniasis in the first trimester.
• Disulfiram has been taken for the past two weeks.
• Consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Cockayne syndrome which may result in issues with the liver.

A few days after beginning metronidazole (Flagyl), you may begin to feel better. Take metronidazole (Flagyl) exactly as directed by your doctor. Even if you're feeling better, you should still complete your course of treatment. If you stop taking your medication before it is recommended, your infection may return and become more difficult to cure.

When Flagyl is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Certain antidepressants.
• Some asthma medications.
• Busulfan or other cancer medicine.
• Certain heart or blood pressure medications.
• Lithium or other antipsychotic medicine.
• Drugs to treat malaria, HIV, or other infections.
• Blood thinners - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

Depending on the kind of infection you have, each person may require a different Flagyl dosage form. If you have liver or renal issues, your dosage may also change.

Adults: Tablets with immediate release

One-day trichomoniasis course: Two grams taken orally, either in one dose or divided into two doses and given in a single day, is the usual dosage.

For a seven-day course of trichomoniasis, the usual dosage is 250 mg single dose taken orally three times a day for a week.

For amebiasis, the usual dosage is 500–750 mg taken orally three times a day for five to ten days.

Bacterial infections: 7.5 mg/kg body weight taken orally every 6 hours for 7–10 days is the usual dosage. Four grams per day is the highest amount that is advised.

Capsules with immediate release:

For trichomoniasis, 375 mg taken orally twice a day for a week is the usual dosage.

For amebiasis, 750 mg taken orally three times a day for five to ten days is the usual dosage.

Bacterial infections: The severity of the infection and your weight will determine the dosage for some bacterial infections. For seven to ten days, the usual dosage is 7.5 mg/kg of body weight taken orally every six hours. Four grams per day is the highest amount that is advised.

Tablets with extended-release

For bacterial vaginosis, 750 mg taken orally once daily for a week is the usual dosage.

IR pills and capsules for kids

Amebiasis: The dosage will be decided by your child's pediatrician based on their body weight. For ten days, the usual dosage is 35–50 mg/kg of body weight orally, divided into three doses and taken throughout the day.

Take the missed dose as soon as you can. Take just that dose if your next dose is soon due. Avoid taking more than one dose.

Store your Flagyl medication at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Flagyl.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Flagyl available.

You may feel better after a few days, but continue taking this medication for the duration of treatment to help get rid of your illness completely. This medication may cause your infection to recur if you stop using it too soon.

Flagyl should be avoided during your first trimester of pregnancy because it may increase the risk of preterm birth. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

After taking Flagyl, you shouldn't breastfeed for 24 hours. If you are using a breast pump during this period, do not give your infant the milk; instead, discard it as the medication can pass through your breastmilk.