Flagyl

Flagyl is the brand name for a medication called Metronidazole. It is an antibiotic that is primarily used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections. Metronidazole works by stopping the growth and reproduction of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Flagyl is commonly prescribed to treat infections in different parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, skin, and other areas. It is often used to treat infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, certain types of pneumonia, dental infections, and infected ulcers or wounds.

In addition to its antibacterial properties, Flagyl also has some antiprotozoal activity, making it effective against certain parasites, such as Giardia and Entamoeba. It is sometimes used to treat infections caused by these parasites.

Medicine is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, creams, gels, and intravenous (IV) formulations.

Composition of Flagyl

This medicine is available in 250 mg or 500 mg tablets and is the synthetic nitroimidazole antimicrobial, 2-methyl-5-Nitro-1H-imidazole-1-ethanol. It is also available as creams and IV usage. Flagyl contains Metronidazole in appropriate weight. Flagyl also has some inactive ingredients which include cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide stearic acid.

Uses of Flagyl

This medicine is used to treat certain infections such as urinary tract infection, vaginal infections, stomach infections, liver infections, intestinal infections, blood infection, joints and bone infection, brain, heart, skin and lung infections.

Dosage

The dosage of Flagyl can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection being treated. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage instructions provided on the medication label.

Typically, for adults, the recommended dosage of Flagyl for most infections is:

• For oral tablets: 250-500 milligrams (mg) taken every 8 hours or 500-750 mg taken every 12 hours.
• For extended-release tablets: 750 mg taken once daily.

For children, the dosage is usually based on their weight and will be determined by the doctor.

It's important to take the complete prescribed course of Flagyl, even if you start feeling better before the course is finished. Stopping the medication too early may lead to the infection not being fully treated and may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

How to Take

Here are some general guidelines for taking Flagyl:

1. Read the instructions: Carefully read the information leaflet that comes with the medication. Pay attention to any specific instructions or precautions.
2. Timing: Take tablets at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. If you are instructed to take it multiple times a day, try to space the doses evenly throughout the day.
3. With or without food: Flagyl can be taken with or without food. However, some people may experience less stomach upset if they take it with food.
4. Swallowing: Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew extended-release tablets.
5. Duration of treatment: Complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely may result in the infection not being fully treated.
6. Avoid alcohol: It is important to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Flagyl and for at least 48 hours after completing the treatment. Combining Flagyl with alcohol can cause severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushing.
7. Follow additional instructions: If you have any specific instructions related to your medication, such as taking it with certain supplements or avoiding certain medications, follow those instructions as well.

Side Effects of Flagyl

There are multiple side effects of this medicine. Some of the serious side effects of Flagyl are:

• Pain while urinating
• Numbness
• White patches on the lips
• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Pain in the eye
• Vision problems
• Unable to concentrate
• Slurred speech
• Mood changes
• Muscle twitching
• Seizure
• Behavior changes
• Chills
• Fever
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Severe skin allergy
• Tremors
• Headache
• Loss of balance
• Vaginal Itching or discharge (For women)
• Sneezing, cough

Do not take any medicine for the side effects and it may worsen the condition. Stop taking the medicine.

Interactions

Flagyl may interact with certain medications, substances, or medical conditions. Here are some common interactions:

1. Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking tablets and for at least 48 hours after completing the treatment. Combining alcohol with Flagyl can cause severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushing.
2. Warfarin: Flagyl may increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Lithium: Medicine may increase the levels of lithium in the body, which can be harmful.
4. Disulfiram: Combining Metronidazole with Disulfiram can lead to severe reactions such as facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting.
5. Cimetidine: Cimetidine, a medication used to reduce stomach acid, may increase the levels of Flagyl in the blood.
6. Medical conditions: If you have any medical conditions, especially liver disease or blood disorders, as Flagyl may require dose adjustments or additional monitoring.

Warnings

When taking Flagyl, there are some important warnings and precautions to be aware of. Here are some common warnings:

1. Allergic reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
2. Neurological effects: Antibiotic may cause neurological side effects, including dizziness, unsteadiness, and in rare cases, seizures.
3. Blood disorders: Flagyl can affect blood cell counts, leading to changes in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
4. Liver function: Metronidazole is primarily metabolized in the liver, so it's important to exercise caution if you have liver disease or a history of liver problems.
5. Interactions with alcohol and certain medications: As mentioned earlier, avoid consuming alcohol while taking Flagyl and for at least 48 hours after completing the treatment. Flagyl may also interact with certain medications, such as warfarin, lithium, and disulfiram.
6. Secondary infections: Drug can sometimes lead to the development of secondary infections caused by resistant bacteria or fungi.
7. Oral contraceptives: Flagyl may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills.

Flagyl and Alcohol

It is important to avoid consuming alcohol while taking tablets and for at least 48 hours after completing the treatment. Combining Metronidazole with alcohol can cause a severe reaction known as a disulfiram-like reaction.

The disulfiram-like reaction can lead to symptoms such as:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Abdominal cramps
3. Headache
4. Flushing or redness of the face
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Shortness of breath
7. Dizziness

These symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and may discourage you from consuming alcohol while on Flagyl. In severe cases, the reaction can be quite serious and may require medical attention.

To ensure your safety and to prevent any adverse effects, it is strongly advised to refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverages while taking Flagyl and for a minimum of 48 hours after finishing the medication.

Contraindications of Flagyl

Before you start using this medicine, make sure that you let your doctor know if you are allergic to this medicine or any other nitroimidazole or any other type of allergies. Flagyl also contains inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. The doctor would like to know your medical history especially if you have any nervous system disorders, liver problems, blood disorders or Crohn`s disease. You need to avoid alcoholic drinks and beverages while taking this medication for at least 3 days post the completion of the dose. It can result in severe stomach upset, nausea, headache, vomiting or flushed skin. You need to avoid driving or use heavy machinery, as this medicine can make you feel dizzy. Elderly people are at a greater risk of the side effects of this medicine.

Pregnancy and Flagyl

The effects of this medicine during pregnancy is not known yet and it is usually advised not to use this medicine if you are pregnant. It is not advised to breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

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