MedicineNet.com

metronidazole sustained-action - oral, Flagyl ER

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: METRONIDAZOLE SUSTAINED-ACTION - ORAL (meh-troh-NID-uh-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Flagyl ER

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This form of metronidazole is used for vaginal infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and protozoa.This antibiotic only treats bacterial and protozoal infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used for other infections.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth once daily or as directed by your doctor. To help this drug be absorbed by your body, it is best to take this on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.This medication must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them before swallowing.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.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/protozoa to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, changes in taste, furry tongue, and dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.This drug may cause urine to darken in color. This is harmless.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unsteadiness, seizures, mental/mood changes, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, painful urination.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: eye pain, sudden vision changes, sore throat, persistent fever, unusual bleeding/bruising, severe stomach pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.This medication may be used to treat a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. However, treatment with metronidazole for other types of infections may rarely cause this intestinal condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. This condition may occur weeks to months after treatment with antibiotics has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms because these products may make them worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.