Flagyl

Generic Name: metronidazole (me troe NI da zole)

What is Flagyl?

Flagyl is an oral antiprotozoal and antibacterial antibiotic. It fights infections caused by bacteria or amoeba in your body.

Flagyl is used to treat bacterial or amoebic infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints, and respiratory tract. It will not treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Flagyl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide, as determined by your doctor.

Important information about Flagyl

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Flagyl will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it. You may have unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.

Before taking Flagyl

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metronidazole, or if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Before taking Flagyl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

a stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn’s disease;

a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or leukopenia (lack of white blood cells);

epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

nerve disorders.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Flagyl can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Flagyl?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the extended-release form of metronidazole (Flagyl ER) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Flagyl will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Flagyl.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Flagyl overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, numbness and tingling, or seizures (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Flagyl?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it. You may have unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.

Check the labels of any medicines or food products you use to make sure they do not contain alcohol.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Flagyl side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

seizures (convulsions);

fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, flu symptoms;

numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

pain or burning when you urinate; or

diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Less serious Flagyl side effects may include:

nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea;

headache, dizziness, loss of balance;

vaginal itching or discharge;

dry mouth or unpleasant metallic taste;

cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; or

swollen or sore tongue.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Flagyl?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

cimetidine (Tagamet);

seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or

disulfiram (Antabuse).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Flagyl or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Flagyl. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.