How does Flagyl (Metronidazole) work:

Flagyl (Metronidazole) is used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, and amebic dysentery (infection of the colon causing bloody diarrhea), bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and carriers of trichomonas who do not have symptoms of infection.

Flagyl is also used alone or in combination with other antibiotics in treating abscesses in the liver, pelvis, abdomen, and brain caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Flagyl is also used in treating infection of the colon caused by bacteria. Flagyl also is used in combination with other drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori that causes stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Dosage & Administration:

See `Dosage and Administration` on PDF Leaflet.

Side Effects:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• epigastric distress
• epigastric pain
• dyspepsia
• constipation
• coated tongue
• dry mouth
• taste disorders
• rash
• pruritus
• flushing
• urticaria
• fever
• angioedema
• exceptional anaphylactic shocks
• palpitation and chest pain
• convulsive seizures
• peripheral sensory neuropathy
• transient ataxia
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• headache
• confusion
• hallucinations
• depressed mood
• diplopia
• myopia
• antithyroid effect
• anorexia
• thrombophlebitis
• fever
• vaginal dryness and burning
• dysuria
• occasional flushing and headaches

Precautions:

A rare case of reversible but profound neurological deterioration has been reported following a single oral dose of Flagyl (metronidazole); it is therefore advisable that a patient taking Flagyl for the first time not be left unattended for a period of two hours. The appearance of abnormal neurologic signs demands prompt discontinuation of Flagyl therapy and, when severe, immediate medical attention. Gastric lavage may be considered if no more than two or three hours have elapsed since administration of the drug.