Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an antibiodic used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints and respiratory tract. It is commonly used to treat infections of the digestive tract.
How should it be used?
This medication is available in tablet, capsule, and IV forms.
The extended-release tablet:
- Take this medicine on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after a meal.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet.
- Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the medicine to be released at one time.
- Take all of the medicine even if you feel better shortly after you start taking it.
- Do not skip taking this medicine because it increases the chance of getting another infection that cannot be killed by antibiotics.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl and for three days after you stop.
Special Precautions/Instructions
Tell your doctor about all medicines (including over the counter), vitamins, herbal products, and supplements that you take before you start taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have a problem (hypersensitivity) to metronidazole or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Have liver or kidney problems.
- Have ever had a seizure.
- Take anticolagulants or have a blood disorder.
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
The most common side effects include:
- darkened urine
- yeast infection (candidal) that should be reported to doctor
- metallic taste
- headache
- fever
- dizziness
- nausea
- abdominal cramping or pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- vaginal dryness
- joint pains
- rash
- upper respiratory tract infection.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any neurologic symptoms such as seizures, numbness, or tingling; or severe diarrhea.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:
- Diarrhea
- Feeling sick
- Fever, shivering/chills, rash
- Muscle and bone pain
- Kidney problems (changes in the amount of urine or color of urine)
- Tiredness, dizziness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell the doctor you are using Flagyl.
Storage Conditions
This medication should be stored below 77 degrees F. Keep out of reach of children and protect from light.
Emergency/Overdose
Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of this drug in pediatric patients have not been established, except for the treatment of amebiasis.
Flagyl Ingredients
-metronidazole, cellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, plyethylene glycol, stearic acid, and titanium dioxide
Additional Information
For complete information, please visit: http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_flagyl.pdf