We get affected by many health problems in our every day’s life and have to be getting treated accordingly. Most often, we get affected by bacteria’s. Bacteria’s are present everywhere in large quantity and can survive almost anywhere. They do attack human body and spread the diseases. Antibiotics, where anti means ‘against’ and bios means ‘life’ are used to treat the bacterial infections. Understanding the need, an antibiotic named ‘Flagyl i.e. Metronidazole’ is manufactured to get rid of such bacterial infections.

Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics known as Nitroimidazoles. Flagyl is used to treat a variety of infections. And it works by stopping the growth of bacteria and protozoa. Be clear that, this antibiotic only treats bacterial and protozoan infections. Flagyl will not work for viral infections e.g. common cold, flu etc. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to decrease its effectiveness.

Flagyl i.e. Metronidazole medication may be used to treat a severe intestinal condition, pseudo membranous colitis due to a type of resistant bacteria. However, sometimes treatment with Metronidazole may fail. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, cramping or blood, mucus in your stool. This condition may occur weeks after treatment with other antibiotics has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications because these products may make the conditions worst.

Antibiotics do work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level, so take Flagyl at evenly spaced intervals.

The method is described as follows: Flagyl may be taken with food or a full glass of milk or water to prevent stomach upset. Dosage is based on your medical conditions such as the type of infection being treated and your response to therapy.

Continue to consume Flagyl until the complete course is finished and do not stop in between, even if the symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the bacteria’s to continue to grow which may result in a relapse of the infection. Keep informing your doctor regularly about the improvements and side effects that may occur during the course.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. But some side effects can be seen during consuming Flagyl medication such as, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, changes in taste and dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: painful urination, mental mood changes, unsteadiness, seizures, numbness/tingling of hands/feet. Some rare but very serious side effects can occur, such as: fever, severe stomach pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, sore, throat persistent, unusual bleeding, bruising etc.

Be aware of the fact that your doctor has prescribed Flagyl because it’s benefit are greater than the risk of side effects. Flagyl may cause urine to darken its color. Although, do not worry much as this is harmless.

Flagyl may interfere with certain laboratory tests including liver function tests, blood triglyceride levels, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting the Metronidazole medication.

Before using Flagyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: blood thinners e.g., Warfarin, Busulfan, Cimetidine, Fluorouracil, Lithium, live bacterial vaccines, drugs for seizures e.g. Phenobarbital, Phenytoin.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: Amprenavir oral solution, Disulfiram, Lopinavir/Ritonavir oral solution.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Use of Flagyl for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection, oral or vaginal fungal infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely but seeks immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: Rashes, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble in breathing. If you notice other effects that are not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist immediate to seek help.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. And, if it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue to your regular dose. Do not double your doses in any case. This may lead to some critical problems, which would be difficult to handle. So better, continue your dose next time.

Flagyl medication is used to treat a wide variety of infections.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Flagyl medication.

Tablets should be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees F 25 degrees C away from light. Capsules should be stored at or below room temperature between 59-77 degrees F 15-25 degrees C. In any case, do not store the medicine in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat and direct light. Moisture or Heat may cause the medicine to break down. Check Expiry date without fail.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Flagyl:

1. Acknowledge your doctor if you are suffering from some kind of severe diseases. It may be – liver disease or liver failure, blood diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, Kidney failure, bleeding problems, ulcers, nervous system disorders e.g., seizures, Crohns disease etc. or any other problem.

2. Let the doctor also know if you are in-taking any prescribed or non prescribed medicines health supplements etc. for any other condition.

3. Before taking Flagyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any kind of allergies or are allergic to the Flagyl medication itself or to other Nitroimidazoles such as Tinidazole.

4. This medication passes into the breast milk and therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

5. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It should not be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy and used only with caution during the last 6 months, unless your infection has not improved on other antibiotics.

6. Avoid alcoholic beverages throughout the course, or for at least 1 day 3 days if you are taking the oral capsules after finishing this medicine because drinking alcohol may result in severe stomach upset/cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache and flushing.

7. Never allow anyone to use your drugs without the doctor’s permission.

8. Keep the medicine out of reach of women, newborns, children and pets.