What is Flagyl?

Flagyl is an antibiotic that is useful against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled, living organisms that flourish in surroundings where there is little oxygen (anaerobic environments) and can cause infection in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess), and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and the Fallopian tubes.

When Flagyl is recommended to cure bacterial infections, patients should know that it's natural that you feel to feel better early in the course of therapy, but do not stop medication. Skipping doses of Flagyl or not completing the full course of therapy may can lessen the efficacy of the immediate treatment and amplify the possibility that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Flagyl or other antibacterial drugs at later dates.

How does Flagyl work?

Flagyl selectively blocks some of the functions within the bacterial cells and the parasites. This in turn results in their death. It works effectively, only if the medicine stays in the blood stream in a moderate amount for the duration of the treatment. It works best if patients do not miss any doses.

Normal tissues of the body depend on the presence of oxygen for survival. Abscessed tissues and tumors with poor central circulation do not receive blood supply and oxygen. Bacteria that live without oxygen survive here. Flagyl molecule alters so as to slow down the DNA repair enzymes that normally would repair cells. This causes death for anaerobic bacteria without effecting aerobic tissues.

How to take Flagyl?

1. Take your doses at evenly spaced intervals, day and night.

2. Avoid missing doses as Flagyl works best when it is present in a consistent amount in the blood.

3. Take Flagyl can with or without food. It can cause dryness in the mouth. Hard candy, chewing gum, or bits of ice could help provide relief in such instances.

4. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

5. If it time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

One-day treatment: take 2 grams of Flagyl, as a single dose or divided into 2 doses (1 gram each) to be cosumed on the same day.

Seven-day course treatment: 250 milligrams: 3 times each day for 7 consecutive days.

Side effects of Flagyl

Flagyl carries the risk of allergy and side-effects. It does not usually have adverse reaction. Severe side-effects are rare.
Severe side effects include the following:

• numbness
• tingling and/or pain in extremities such as the hands and feet
• pain
• tenderness
• swelling at injection site
• vaginal irritation, discharge, or dryness
• discolored stools or urine
• seizures
• convulsions
• dry mouth: a sharp, unpleasant metallic taste can occur. Furry tongue, glossitis, and stomatitis could be expected; or unpleasant taste in mouth
• cardiovascular: Flattening of the T-wave may be seen in electrocardiographic tracings
• peripheral neuropathy
• dizziness
• vertigo
• incoordination
• confusion, irritability, depression
• weakness, and insomnia

Common side affects:

• nausea
• headache
• anorexia, and occasionally vomiting
• diarrhea
• epigastric distress
• abdominal cramping
• constipation

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Flagyl?

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• liver disease
• are in the first trimester of pregnancy
• stomach or intestinal disease
• blood disorders
• epilepsy
• seizure disorders

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Seizure medications (like phenytoin or phenobarbitol)
• Blood thinners
• Lithium
• Disulfiram

The effects of Flagyl in pregnancy are not known. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Flagyl appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Your doctor may advise breastfeeding until your treatment is complete.

What should I avoid while taking Flagyl?

If treatment is for sexually transmitted genital infection, trichomoniasis, your doctor will suggest treating your partner at the same time, even if there are no symptoms. Try to avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is treated. Use a condom if you have sex.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Flagyl. It can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing.

Wait at least 72 hours (3 days) before consuming any alcohol after you've stopped taking Flagyl.

Avoid over-the-counter medications containing alcohol. This includes cough and cold pills.