Fragyl

Brand Names

Flagyl, Metronidazole

What is Fragyl

Flagyl (metronidazole) is a prescription antibiotic that is beneficial to treat a number of different infections including certain sexually transmitted diseases. It is especially approved for treating infections caused by parasites and anaerobic bacteria (certain bacteria that can do without oxygen). Fagyl is supposed to treat bacterial infections in vagina, stomach, skin, joints and respiratory tract.

Side effects of Fragyl

You should remember of some side effects that can be caused by Flagyl:

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
• pain or burning when you urinate
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• vision problems, pain behind your eyes
• trouble concentrating, slurred speech, mood or behavior changes,
• tremors, muscle twitching, seizure (convulsions)
• fever, chills, muscle pain, confusion, headache, sore throat, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
• stomach pain, diarrhea
• dizziness, loss of balance
• vaginal itching or discharge
• dry mouth or unpleasant metallic taste
• cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
• swollen or sore tongue

Indication

Flagyl is an antibiotic useful for treating a variety of different infections. Short-acting Flagyl capsules and tablets are approved to treat the following diseases:

• Trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite)
• Certain infections such as amebic dysentery or amebic liver abscess, caused by ameba (a certain type of parasite)
• Various infections caused by anaerobic bacteria including infections of the abdomen, skin, blood, bones or joints, female reproductive tract, central nervous system, brain, lungs,heart.

Long-acting Flagyl ER tablets are used only for treating bacterial vaginosis (a certain type of bacterial infection of the vagina). Flagyl injection is given intravenously and is approved for treating anaerobic infections and also for preventing anaerobic infections that can appear after surgeries of the digestive tract.

Precautions

You should not take this medicine if you have:

• Seizures or epilepsy
• Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis or hepatitis
• Alcoholism
• Any other allergies including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives.

You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, breastfeeding.

Dosage forms

The Flagyl Dosing for Trichomoniasis is of two types:

• A one-day treatment of Flagyl 2 grams in a single dose or two doses of 1 gram (both taken in one day).
• A seven-day treatment of 250 mg three times daily (or 375 mg twice daily).

Flagyl Dosing for Amebic Infections is 750 mg three times a day for 5 to 10 days.

The recommended dosage for an amebic liver abscess is 250 to 500 mg three times daily for 5 to 10 days.

To treat ameba infections in children your doctor prescribe the appropriate dose for your child based on his weight.

Flagyl Dosing for Bacterial Vaginosis is set at 750 mg once a day for seven days. Short-acting Flagyl tablets and capsules are not approved for this use.