Manufacturer: Abbott Healthcare
Pharmaceutical name: Metronidazole
Pack: 15 pills (200 mg)
Flagyl is an antibiotic that targets anaerobic bacteria and specific parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled organisms that thrive in low-oxygen environments and can lead to diseases in the abdomen (such as bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess), and pelvis (abscesses in the ovaries and Fallopian tubes). Intestinal parasites like Giardia lamblia and ameba can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea in those infected. Trichomonas is a vaginal parasite responsible for inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis). Flagyl works by selectively inhibiting certain functions within bacterial cells and parasites, leading to their death.
Flagyl is utilized to treat various parasitic infections, including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, amebic dysentery (which causes bloody diarrhea), bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and asymptomatic carriers of trichomonas (both sexual partners). Metronidazole may also be used alone or with other antibiotics to address abscesses in the liver, pelvis, abdomen, and brain caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.
Flagyl (Metronidazole) is additionally employed in treating colon infections caused by the bacteria C. difficile. (Many commonly prescribed antibiotics can disrupt the normal bacterial flora of the colon. C. difficile, an anaerobic bacterium, can overgrow and infect the colon when the typical flora is diminished by antibiotics, resulting in colon inflammation called pseudomembranous colitis, characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.) Metronidazole is also used in conjunction with other medications to combat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is linked to stomach or intestinal ulcers. Metronidazole topical gel treats acne rosacea, while the vaginal gel is used for bacterial vaginosis treatment.
Flagyl can be taken orally with or without food. In a hospital setting, metronidazole may be given intravenously to manage serious infections. The liver primarily processes and eliminates metronidazole, so dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with liver disease or impaired liver function.
Potential side effects of Flagyl include stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, equilibrium issues, vaginal itching or discharge, dry mouth or an unpleasant metallic taste, coughing, sneezing, a runny or congested nose, and a swollen or sore tongue.