Description

Flagyl is an antibacterial drug which shows a high therapeutic activity as to monocellular protozoal microorganisms. Most standard antibiotics cannot effectively neutralize the activity of protozoa, and therefore the treatment may be sometimes long and ineffective.

Flagyl contains an active ingredient Metronidazole. It has a negative action on the genetic apparatus of the disease causing organisms, breaks metabolism inside the cells of bacteria and they rather quickly die.

Flagyl is an uncommon antibiotic, and therefore indications for the use differ from classical antimicrobial products. This drug is widely used in the treatment of:

• protozoal infections: amebiasis (intestinal, extra-intestinal), trichomoniasis, giardiasis etc.
• gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori
• nonspecific vaginitis
• Anaerobic infections, including during surgery on the abdominal organs

Flagyl rather quickly inhibits the activity of microorganisms. A standard antibacterial therapy lasts for 2 weeks. A resistance to Metronidasole is quickly produced, and therefore the drug is prescribed for a short period but in high doses in order to quickly kill bacteria and prevent them from producing a resistance.

In what dose is Flagyl used?

• To treat trichomoniasis, patients are prescribed a tablet of Flagyl 250 mg 2 times per day, within 10 days
• To treat anaerobic infections, Flagyl 500 mg is taken 2 times per day, within 10 days
• To treat giardiasis or amebiasis, Flagyl 500 mg is used 3 times per day, within 7 days

This is a standard scheme of the treatment that varies depending on the individual peculiarities. Metronidazole is also prescribed in the form of suppositories during some infections.

A length of the treatment should not exceed 10-12 days, and it is not recommended to do more than 3 medical courses per year because a longer use of the drug will cause a resistance of bacteria.

Precautions

• The active ingredients of Flagyl may interact with ethanol, so that side effects similar to disulfiram symptoms: tachycardia, increased blood pressure, vomiting, allergic reaction. Therefore, an alcohol consumption is prohibited during the treatment
• Flagyl is not prescribed during organic diseases of the central nervous system, diseases of the blood, and dysfunction of liver
• The use of Flagyl is prohibited for children under 6 years old and pregnant women

Side effects

Major patients state that they have a changed color of urine, metallic taste in the mouth and dry mouth during the use of Flagyl.

These are the most common side effects which appear during the use of Flagyl. A light allergic reaction (rash on hands, stomach, light itching) is also possible but all these side effects do not require a cessation of the treatment.

If you noticed urticaria or edema after the use of Flagyl, stop the treatment, have a stomach lavage and go to a doctor.