Flagyl

metronidazole

Brand(s):

• Flagyl

Manufacturer:

• Abbott Laboratories

Disease(s):

• Infections

Known as:

• Flagyl / Metizol / Metric / Metro / Metrocream / Metrogel / Metrogel Vaginal / Noritate / Protostat / Vandazole

Metronidazole Tablets

What is Metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication classified as an antiinfective. It's a versatile drug used to combat various bacterial infections affecting different parts of the body, including the respiratory system, skin, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and joints. It's important to remember that metronidazole is ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Important Information for Your Doctor

Before starting metronidazole, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your medical history. This includes disclosing any of the following conditions:

• Anemia or other blood disorders: Metronidazole can affect blood cell counts.
• Nervous system diseases: Pre-existing neurological conditions might be worsened by metronidazole.
• Fungal or yeast infections: Metronidazole doesn't treat these types of infections.
• Alcohol consumption: Mixing metronidazole with alcohol can cause unpleasant side effects (detailed below).
• Liver disease: Metronidazole is processed by the liver, and liver problems could affect how it works.
• Seizures or history of seizures: Metronidazole can lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.
• Allergies: Any prior allergic reactions to metronidazole, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives should be reported.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding requires careful consideration and discussion with your doctor.

How to Take Metronidazole

Metronidazole tablets are taken orally with a full glass of water. Follow the prescribed dosage and frequency precisely. Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently than directed. Complete the entire course of treatment, even if you feel better before finishing all the pills. Skipping doses or stopping early can lead to treatment failure and potential recurrence of the infection.

Children require special considerations regarding dosage. Consult your pediatrician for appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for children.

Overdose: In case of an overdose, immediately contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical assistance.

Metronidazole is for personal use only; do not share it with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Potential Drug Interactions

Avoid taking metronidazole concurrently with the following medications:

• Alcohol or alcohol-containing products
• Amprenavir oral solution
• Disulfiram
• Paclitaxel injection
• Ritonavir oral solution
• Sertraline oral solution
• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim injection

Metronidazole may also interact with:

• Cimetidine
• Lithium
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin

This isn't an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. Always provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive list of all medications, herbal remedies, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements you're using. Also, disclose your smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use habits, as these can impact medication effectiveness and interactions.

Monitoring While Taking Metronidazole

Report to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or worsen.

Drowsiness and dizziness are possible side effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you know how the medication affects you. Avoid sudden changes in posture (sitting or standing), especially if you are older, to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting.

Refrain from alcohol consumption during treatment and for three days afterward. Alcohol can exacerbate side effects.

If you're being treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), abstain from sexual contact until completing treatment. Your partner may also require treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Report these side effects to your doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, facial swelling)
• Confusion, clumsiness
• Dark or white patches in the mouth
• Fever, infection
• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
• Painful urination
• Seizures
• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Vaginal irritation or discharge

Side effects that usually don't require immediate medical attention (but report if persistent or bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Metallic taste
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or cramps

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects.

Storage

Keep out of children's reach. Store at room temperature below 25°C (77°F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.