Flagyl

Generic name: Metronidazole

What is Flagyl?

Flagyl is used to treat certain vaginal and urinary tract infections in men and women; amebic dysentery and liver abscess; and infections of the abdomen, blood, bones and joints, brain, lung, heart, and skin caused by certain bacteria.

What is the most important information I should know about Flagyl?

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Flagyl. The combination can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing. It can also change the taste of the alcoholic beverage. Also, avoid over-the-counter medications containing alcohol, such as certain cough and cold products.

It is important to avoid skipping doses of Flagyl or discontinuing Flagyl before you have completed the full course of therapy that your doctor has prescribed. You may feel better shortly after you begin therapy with Flagyl. However, if you skip doses, or do not complete the full course of therapy, then the effectiveness of Flagyl in treating your condition may be decreased and make the use of Flagyl or other antibiotics less effective if used for any future illnesses.

Who should not take Flagyl?

Do not take Flagyl if you are allergic to it or to drugs which are similar to it. Do not use Flagyl during the first 3 months of pregnancy for the treatment of trichomoniasis.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Flagyl?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Flagyl. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have central nervous system diseases; epilepsy or another seizure disorder; a fungal infection; or liver disease.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Amebiasis

Adults: Acute intestinal amebiasis: 750 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth 3 times daily for 5-10 days. Amebic liver abscess: 500 mg or 750 mg taken by mouth 3 times daily for 5-10 days.

Children: The usual dose is 35-50 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 3 doses a day and taken by mouth for 10 days.

Anaerobic Bacterial Infections

Adults: The usual oral dosage is 7.5 mg per 2.2 pounds (lb) of body weight taken by mouth every 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 grams (g) during a 24-hour period. The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 10 days; however this may vary depending on where the infection is located in your body. For more serious infections, Flagyl will be given as an I.V. through your vein.

Trichomoniasis

Adults: Females: 1-day treatment: 2 grams (g) given either as a single dose or in 2 divided doses of 1 g each taken in the same day; 7-day course of treatment: 250 mg taken 3 times daily for 7 consecutive days. Males: Your doctor will individualize your dosing regimen based on the severity of your infection and how well you respond to treatment.

How should I take Flagyl?

Flagyl works best when there is a constant amount of drug in the blood. Take your doses at evenly spaced intervals and try to avoid missing any doses.

If you are being treated for the sexually transmitted genital infection called trichomoniasis, your doctor may want to treat your partner at the same time, even if there are no symptoms. Try to avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is cured. If you do have sex, use a condom.

Flagyl can be taken with or without food. It may cause dry mouth. Hard candy, chewing gum, or bits of ice can help to relieve the problem.

What should I avoid while taking Flagyl?

Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl. Avoid taking over-the-counter medications containing alcohol. Avoid taking Flagyl if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks.

Avoid skipping any doses of Flagyl. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy, as your doctor has prescribed, may decrease the effectiveness of Flagyl and make the use of Flagyl or other antibiotics less effective if used for any future illnesses.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Flagyl?

If Flagyl is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flagyl with any of the following: alcoholic beverages, cimetidine, disulfiram, lithium, oral coumarin anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

What are the possible side effects of Flagyl?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Two serious side effects that have occurred with Flagyl are seizures and numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. If you experience either of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.

Side effects may include: abdominal cramps, constipation, unpleasant metallic taste, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting

Can I receive Flagyl if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Flagyl during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Do not use Flagyl during the first 3 months of pregnancy for the treatment of trichomoniasis. Discuss other treatment options with your doctor before beginning Flagyl therapy if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Flagyl.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Flagyl?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Flagyl?

Store below 77˚ F(25˚C) and protect it from light.