What is Flagyl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Flagyl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl ER

Generic Names:

  • Metronidazole

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Amebicide, Extraintestinal, Antibiotic, Antiprotozoal, Antiulcer, Helicobacter Pylori, Amebicide, Intestinal

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Flagyl used for?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections. Metronidazole belongs to a class of medications called nitroimidazoles. Metronidazole is a generic medication also sold under the trade name Flagyl manufactured by Pfizer. For the treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, metronidazole use is very common.

What form(s) does Flagyl come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Flagyl doses?

  • Tablet 500MG

  • Capsule 375MG

Common Flagyl prescriptions

  • Flagyl
    375mg capsule

  • Flagyl
    250mg tablet

  • Flagyl
    500mg tablet

How to take Flagyl

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Capsule: Take with food or milk to avoid upset stomach.

  • Extended-release tablet: Take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Extended-release tablet: Take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Capsule: Take with food or milk to avoid upset stomach.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Flagyl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to metronidazole or similar medicines. Do not use this medicine to treat trichomoniasis if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Flagyl warnings

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a yeast infection (including oral thrush), Cockayne syndrome (genetic disorder), or a history of blood or bone marrow problems or seizures.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Brain or nervous system problems, including peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, seizures, meningitis, or vision problemsLiver problems, which may be life-threateningSerious skin reactions

  • Trichomoniasis treatment: Your doctor may want to also treat your sexual partner, even if he or she has no symptoms. Also, you may want to use a condom during sexual intercourse. These measures will help keep you from getting the infection back again from your partner. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Flagyl interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how metronidazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using busulfan, cimetidine, lithium, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or a blood thinner (including warfarin).

  • Trichomoniasis treatment: Your doctor may want to also treat your sexual partner, even if he or she has no symptoms. Also, you may want to use a condom during sexual intercourse. These measures will help keep you from getting the infection back again from your partner. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

  • Do not use this medicine if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or use medicine that contains alcohol or propylene glycol while using this medicine and for at least 3 days after treatment.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Flagyl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Dizziness, problems with muscle control, clumsiness, shakiness, trouble talking

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Confusion, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck or back

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Seizures

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

  • Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth