What is Flagyl (Metronidazole) used for?

Flagyl (Metronidazole) is an oral antibiotic prescribed to treat a large variety of bacterial infections. The medication destroys or prevents the reproduction of bacteria cells allowing the immune system to eliminate the infection. This makes it useful for treating infections affecting the respiratory tract, blood, bones, soft tissues, urinary tract, vagina, eliminating Helicobacter pylori bacteria from the stomach, or pneumonia. Your physician may also prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Flagyl (Metronidazole)?

One tablet of Flagyl (Metronidazole) is normally taken once daily for a period of medication lasting one or two weeks, but your particular instructions will be determined by your physician based on the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be taken along with a large glass of water and a meal to prevent nausea. Never stop using the medication prior to being instructed to as the infection may not be gone and can return stronger and more resistant to treatment. It is also important to not change the form of the tablets by splitting or crushing them as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents.

What are the side effects of Flagyl (Metronidazole)?

Some patients using Flagyl (Metronidazole) have reported experiencing side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Dry or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Sneezing or stuffy nose
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Swollen or sore tongue
• Vaginal irritation or discharge

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are numbness, tingling, severe diarrhea that is bloody or watery, painful urination, sores appearing in or around the mouth, fever or flu symptoms, vision problems, or a severe skin reaction. Immediately contact your physician as soon as you experience any symptoms that are worrying or intense to make sure the correct alterations are made to your dosage or application frequency to prevent further complications from occurring.

Please Note

Do not begin using Flagyl (Metronidazole) if you are allergic to metronidazole, if you have had a bad reaction to similar treatments in the past, or if you are glucose intolerant. Also inform your physician if you have diabetes, porphyrias, brain or spinal cord diseases, liver disease, or decreased liver function. These conditions may cause unexpected problems during treatment requiring special adjustments to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Flagyl (Metronidazole). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.