Flagyl (Metronidazole) is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Flagyl is used to treat bacterial infections of the liver, skin, joints, brain, heart, vagina, stomach or intestines, and respiratory tract. It is available in an oral form and a topical form. Your doctor will prescribe the best course of treatment for your symptoms. Flagyl belongs to a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials, and works by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis and disrupting the DNA of bacteria cells, which in turn kills the bacteria, effectively ending the infection. This medication will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Flagyl Vaginal Cream from Canada by Sanofi Aventis, in the dosage of 10 %/60 gm and Flagyl Capsule from Canada by Odan in the dosage of 500 mg. The generic version is unavailable.
Common side effects of Flagyl include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, rash, itching, mouth sores, or swollen, red, or “hairy” tongue. Contact your doctor if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• A light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);
• Blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• Painful or difficult urination;
• Severe diarrhea;
• Severe headache, dizziness, weakness;
• Trouble sleeping, depression, irritability
Stop taking this medication right away if you have any neurological side effects, including numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet, vision problems, pain behind your eyes, or seeing flashes of light, muscle weakness or problems with coordination, trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you, a seizure, or fever, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to light.
You should not use Flagyl if you are allergic to metronidazole, or if you have taken disulfiram within the past two weeks. To make sure Flagyl is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, nervous system disease, Cockayne syndrome, a stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn’s disease, a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) counts, a fungal infection anywhere in your body, or a nerve disorder. Flagyl can pass into breast milk. It is unknown whether or not this will harm a breast-feeding baby. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding prior to taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in order to discuss any possible risks. Do not give this medication to a child without medical advice.
Several medications may interact with Flagyl, especially busulfan, disulfiram, lithium, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and blood thinners such as warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven. Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions. Do not drink alcohol or consume food or medicines that contain propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole. You may have unpleasant side effects such as headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling). Avoid alcohol or propylene glycol for at least 3 days after you stop taking this medicine. Check the labels of any medicines or food products you use to make sure they do not contain alcohol or propylene glycol. Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
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