Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: METRONIDAZOLE - ORAL (meh-troh-NID-uh-zole)
BRAND NAME(S): Flagyl
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication should be taken with food or a full glass of water or milk to prevent stomach upset. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, change in taste sensation or dry mouth may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely but report: seizures, loss of consciousness, tingling of hands or feet. Very unlikely but report: unsteadiness, mood/mental changes, rash, itching, sore throat, fever, severe stomach pain, vomiting, vaginal irritation. This drug may cause urine to darken in color. This is not harmful. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: liver problems, seizure disorders, any allergies. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication and for at least 3 days after finishing this medicine because severe stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, headache and flushing may occur. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It should not be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy and used with caution during the last 6 months. This drug is excreted into breast milk and using it while breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Learn about diverticulitis (diverticular disease, diverticulosis) symtpoms like abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment information is also included.
- metronidazole gel, Metrogel Vaginal - Specifies the medication metronidazole gel (Metrogel Vaginal), a drug used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection of the vagina.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows