Flagyl Consumer Information

Flagyl

Generic Name: metronidazole (me troe NI da zole)
Brand Names: Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl ER, Protostat

What is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body.

Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints, and respiratory tract. This medication will not treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Metronidazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metronidazole?

Before taking metronidazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn's disease;

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or leukopenia (lack of white blood cells);

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• nerve disorders.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

How should I take metronidazole?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using metronidazole.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, numbness and tingling, or seizures (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking metronidazole?

Check the labels of any medicines or food products you use to make sure they do not contain alcohol.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Metronidazole side effects

• seizures (convulsions);

• fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, flu symptoms;

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• pain or burning when you urinate; or

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea;

• headache, dizziness, loss of balance;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• dry mouth or unpleasant metallic taste;

• cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; or

• swollen or sore tongue.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect metronidazole?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or

• disulfiram (Antabuse).

This list is not a complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with metronidazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.