Flagyl (Metronidazole)

Description

Flagyl or metronidazole is the antibiotic that helps to fight bacteria present in our body. The medication is used for curing bacterial infections of stomach, joints, vagina, skin and the respiratory tract. The drug cannot be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.

You need to take the drug for complete length of time as prescribed by the doctor. The symptoms may improve if the infection is cleared. The skipping dosage may increase risk of more infection which is resistant to the antibiotics. This medicine will not cure viral infection like flu or common cold. Don’t take alcohol when taking Flagyl and for 3 days after stop taking the drug. You may face some side effects like faster heartbeat, redness or warmth under the skin, vomiting and tingly feeling.

How to take Flagyl?

The drug can be taken with glass of milk or glass or with food in order to prevent your stomach getting upset. The dose of the drug is based on your health condition, kind of infection and response to treatment.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Flagyl in case you have allergy with metronidazole or in case you are in first trimester of your pregnancy. It is important to tell the medical professional that you are pregnant or planning to conceive during the course of the therapy.

Before taking the drug, consult your doctor about allergies to drugs or in case if you have some liver disease, seizure disorder, epilepsy, nerve disorders, intestinal or stomach disease and blood cells disorder like leukopenia or anaemia.

Side effects

Some common side effects of this drug include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth etc. In case any of these signs persist or get worse, tell your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

Use of this drug for repeated or prolonged period may lead to oral thrush or new vaginal yeast infection. Also, contact your medical practitioner if you see white patches in mouth, change in your vaginal discharge or any other symptoms. Tell the doctor immediately if any of such unlikely problems occur along with mood changes, mental changes, unsteadiness, tingling or numbness of the feet or hands, painful urination etc.

You may also face signs like eye pain, persistent headache, painful and stiff neck, persistent fever, persistent vomiting, unusual bleeding, vision changes and sore throat.

What should I avoid?

Never drink alcohol when taking Flagyl and for 3 days after you stop the course of the drug. You may face unpleasant effects if you drink or smoke and this may lead to certain serious problems in the long run.

Precautions

Before taking this drug, tell the pharmacist or doctor about your medical condition, history, and if you have nervous system disorder, liver issues, blood disorders or Crohn’s disease.

Interactions

Some drugs or products may interact with Flagyl including the alcohol containing products such as cold and cough syrups, products that contain lopinavir, glycol, blood thinners, lithium, cimetidine, live bacterial vaccine, seizure drugs and mebendazole etc.