Flagyl

Flagyl Description

Flagyl is an antibiotic used primarily to treat parasitic infections and infections of anaerobic bacteria (bacteria which thrive in oxygen-deprived environments).

Flagyl works by blocking essential functions of the bacteria and parasites that it is used to treat; in so doing, the drug causes death of the parasite or bacteria, clearing the infection.

Some of the more common uses for Flagyl include:

Giardia lambia infections. Giardia is an intestinal parasite that infects the small intestine, causing diarrhea and abdominal pain and cramping.
Ameba and amebic liver abscess. Ameba are intestinal parasites that also cause abdominal pain and cramping and diarrhea.
Trichomonas. Trichomonas are parasites that affect the vagina, causing inflammation (commonly referred to as vaginitis). Flagyl is also used to treat bacterial vaginitis and carriers of trichomonas whether symptoms are present or not (both sexual partners must be treated to stop infection).
Amebic dysentery. Amebic dysentery, caused by ameba, is a parasitic infection which can cause severe diarrhea and bloody stools, along with symptoms associated with it like abdominal cramps and pain.

In addition, flagyl may be used to treat similar and associated illnesses and infections including liver abscesses, pelvic inflammation and abscess, abdominal inflammation, and brain inflammation/abscess, colon inflammation and infection. In gel form flagyl may be used for topical applications and treatment of rosacea.

Flagyl Prescription

Flagyl is the trade name for metronidazole; metronidazole is the generic name for this drug, and it may be sold generically by this name. The drug may be administered in oral or topical gel form, or intravenously for severe infections.

Dosage amounts of Flagyl will vary depending on application. Most commonly in adults a dosage between 500 and 750 mg is prescribed, but higher or lower doses may be taken for infections such as giardia, trichomoniasis, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). In most cases Flagyl is prescribed to be taken three to four times daily, but some applications will require use only once or twice daily (particularly gel applications). As with all medications the drug should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

Flagyl Side Effects

Flagyl does present the possibility of causing side effects, as all drugs do. Any signs of allergic reaction or sensitivity should be immediately reported to the prescribing doctor, as should serious or intolerable side effects. Some known side effects of Flagyl include:

Dizziness, headache, faintness
Mood changes
Seizures
Pain during urination
Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
Nausea, stomach upset, poor appetite, constipation
Dry mouth, changes to sense of taste

Use of alcohol when taking Flagyl may result in cramping, abdominal pain, headache, or other side effects. Refrain from drinking alcohol and using medications that contain alcohol for three days after using Flagyl. In addition, Flagyl may interact with some other medications so the prescribing doctor must be made aware of all prescription and non-prescription drugs being used.