Flagyl (Metronidazole) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Flagyl

Trichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) »

What Is Trichomoniasis and How Do You Get It?

Trichomoniasis (TRIK-uh-muh-NEYE-uh-suhss) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It is sometimes called "trich." Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI found in young, sexually active women.

The parasite is spread through sexual contact. Women can get it by having penis -- to -- vagina intercourse with an infected man or vulva -- to -- vulva contact with an infected woman. Men usually get it only from infected women.

What Are The Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?

Some women have no symptoms. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and can include:

Yellow-green (sometimes frothy) vaginal discharge with a foul odor
Discomfort during sex and when passing urine
Irritation and itching in the genital area
Lower abdominal pain in rare cases

If you have any symptoms, stop having sex and ...

Read the Trichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) article »

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Flagyl®
(metronidazole) Tablets

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Flagyl (metronidazole) and other antibacterial drugs, Flagyl (metronidazole) should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

WARNING

Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and rats. (See PRECAUTIONS.) Unnecessary use of the drug should be avoided. Its use should be reserved for the conditions described in the INDICATIONS section below.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Flagyl (metronidazole) is an oral synthetic antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent, l-β-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, which has the following structural formula:

Flagyl®
(metronidazole) Structural Formula Illustration

Flagyl tablets contain 250 mg or 500 mg of metronidazole. Inactive ingredients include cellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl ER)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

seizures (convulsions);
fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, flu symptoms;
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; or

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Flagyl »

What are the precautions when taking metronidazole (Flagyl)?

Before taking metronidazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other nitroimidazoles such as tinidazole; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, nervous system disorders (e.g., seizures), blood disorders, Crohn's disease.

Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication and for at least 1 day (3 days if you are taking the oral capsules) after finishing this medicine because drinking alcohol may result in severe stomach upset/cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache and flushing.

This drug...

Read All Potential Precautions of Flagyl »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/31/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.