FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) is an anti-bacterial, extended-release medication that is prescribed in females with bacterial vaginosis. As an off-label use, FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) is also prescribed in any of the intestinal bacterial infection, some protozoal infections such as trichomonal vaginitis, entamoebiasis and bacterial dysentery. FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) is co-administered with other anti-bacterial drugs to prevent the formation of drug-resistant genes in bacteria and FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) acts as a bactericidal agent in this drug regimen. FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) neutralizes the microorganism by disturbing the electron transport chain and by generating superoxide anions.
Who should not take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole)?
If you are taking medicines such as aspirin, warfarin, coumarin, cimetidine, phenytoin, electrolytes such as lithium, alcohol and disulfiram, you should not take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole). If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as epileptic disorders, electrolytic imbalance, Stevens-John syndrome, Blood dyscrasia including hemoglobinopathies and anaemia and neurological disorders, you should not take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole). According to Food and Drug Administration, FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) is classified as Pregnancy category – C drug in the first trimester and Pregnancy category – B in the rest of the trimesters. Hence it is better to avoid in pregnancy. FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) can pass through the breast milk and affect the feeding infant. If you are allergic to FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) or any other nitroimidazole group of drugs, you should not take it and inform your Physician about your drug-allergy.
FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) Side Effects:
FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) can cause side effects such as pounded heart beats, changes in skin coloration, nausea or vomiting, tingling, general weakness, anxiety like symptoms, loose stools, painful micturition, odema in tongue, lips and face, urticaria like skin rashes, vaginitis with or with out discharge, changes in taste and smell, lack of coordination, flu like symptoms, muscular pain, numbness, photophobia, genital pruritis, fever with chills, urinary tract infections including candidiasis, abdominal distension with persistent watery stools with or without mucus threads. This is not an exhaustive list of side effects and many of the side effects may vary from one person to another.
How should I take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole)?
The daily recommended dosage for the FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) is 750mg for a course of 7 days. The following instruction should be followed to take the FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) – 750 mg (Daily): (1) You should take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) at least 2 hours before food intake for better drug absorption 2) Take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) for as long as your health care provider tells you. To treat your medical problems or keep you away from these problems, you have to take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) as often and in the way FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) as prescribed.
What should I know before I take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole)?
- Take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- You should take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) at least 2 hours before your food intake.
- Do not consume alcohol before and after 3 days of taking FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole).
- For FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) will not cure viral infections and self-medicating FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) for your cold and flu like symptoms.
- If you are kidney disorder patient and in dialysis, you should perform Metronidazole drug analysis, regularly.
- It is important to take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
- Do not stop taking FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- Store FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) as per the instructions on the label and keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole)?
Take the missed dose of FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole)?
If you experience dizziness, ataxia, nausea or vomiting and muscle tingling, it may be a symptom of FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) overdose. In case of FLAGYL ER (Metronidazole) overdose, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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