How Is It Used?
Flagyl works best when there is a constant
amount in the blood. Take your doses at evenly spaced intervals,
day and night, and try to avoid missing any. If you are being
treated for the sexually transmitted genital infection called
trichomoniasis, your doctor may want to treat your partner
at the same time, even if there are no symptoms. Try to avoid
sexual intercourse until the infection is cured. If you do
have sex, use a condom.
Flagyl can be taken with or without food. It may cause dry
mouth. Hard candy, chewing gum, or bits of ice can help to
relieve the problem.
Most
important fact about this drug
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Flagyl. The
combination can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting,
headaches, and flushing. It can also change the taste of the
alcoholic beverage. When you have stopped taking Flagyl, wait
at least 72 hours (3 days) before consuming any alcohol. Also
avoid over-the-counter medications containing alcohol, such
as certain cough and cold products.
Are There Possible
Side Effects?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If
any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately.
Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you
to continue taking Flagyl.
Two serious side effects that have occurred with Flagyl are
seizures and numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands,
and feet. If you experience either of these symptoms, stop
taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- More common side
effects may include:
Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, headache, loss
of appetite, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting
- Less common side
effects may include:
Blood disorders, confusion, dark urine, decreased sex
drive, depression, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry
mouth (or vagina or vulva), fever, flushing, furry tongue,
hives, inability to hold urine, increased production of
pale urine, inflamed mouth or tongue, inflammation of
the rectum, irritability, lack of muscle coordination,
metallic taste, occasional joint pain, pain during sexual
intercourse, painful or difficult urination, pelvic pressure,
rash, stuffy nose, vertigo, weakness, yeast infection
(candida) in vagina.
Why should this drug
not be prescribed?
Flagyl should not be used during the first
3 months of pregnancy to treat vaginal infections. Do not
take Flagyl if you have ever had an allergic reaction to or
are sensitive to metronidazole or similar drugs. Tell your
doctor about any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings
about this medication
If you experience seizures or numbness
or tingling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet, remember that
you should stop taking Flagyl and call your doctor immediately.
If you have liver disease, make sure the doctor is aware of
it. Flagyl should be used with caution.
Active or undiagnosed yeast infections may appear or worsen
when you take Flagyl.
What
About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl and
for at least 72 hours after your last dose.
If Flagyl is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Flagyl
with any of the following:
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Lithium (Eskalith)
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Special
information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Flagyl in pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify
your doctor. This medication should be used during pregnancy
only if it is clearly needed. Flagyl appears in breast milk
and could affect a nursing infant. If Flagyl is essential
to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding
until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage
ADULT
Trichomoniasis
One-day treatment: 2 grams of Flagyl, taken as a single dose
or divided into 2 doses (1 gram each) taken in the same day.
Seven-day course of treatment: 250 milligrams 3 times daily
for 7 consecutive days.
Acute Intestinal Amebiasis (Acute
Amebic Dysentery)
The usual dose is 750 milligrams taken by mouth 3 times daily
for 5 to 10 days.
Amebic Liver Abscess
The usual dose is 500 milligrams or 750 milligrams taken by
mouth 3 times daily for 5 to 10 days.
Anaerobic Bacterial Infections
The usual adult oral dosage is 7.5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds
of body weight every 6 hours.
CHILDREN
Amebiasis
The usual dose is 35 to 50 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds
of body weight per day, divided into 3 doses taken for 10
days.
The safety and efficacy of Flagyl for any other condition
in children have not been established.
OLDER ADULTS
Your doctor will test to see how much medication is in your
blood and will adjust your dosage if necessary.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment
immediately.
- Symptoms of Flagyl overdose may include:
Lack of muscle coordination, nausea, vomiting
What If I Miss A
Dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it
is almost time for your next dose skip the one you missed
and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
How Should It Be
Stored?
Store at room temperature. Protect from
light.
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before taking the product. |
