Flagyl Antibiotic

The pharmacological name or the generic name for flagyl is metronidazole. Metronidazole is an antibiotic which is effective against most of the anaerobic bacterial infections. Anaerobic bacteria are those bacteria which thrive in conditions where there is little or no oxygen at all. Hence flagyl is used to treat infections of the abdomen and pelvis. It is used to treat bacterial peritonitis, and liver abscess formed due to amoebiasis, bacterial vaginitis and Clostridium difficle infections.

Flagyl should be stored in room temperature and it is available on prescription.

The indications for flagyl are liver abscess and intestinal infections caused by Giardia lamblia commonly called as Giardiasis, amoebic liver abscess, bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginitis, in the treatment of carriers of trichomonas where both the partners should be treated. It is also used to treat the intestinal infections caused by C.difficle. It is used in combination with the other antibiotics to treat the abscess of the liver, brain and pelvis where infection by anaerobes is suspected. It is also used in the treatment of infection by H.pylori, (an important organism causing gastritis) with the other antibiotics and H2 blockers. Flagyl is used to treat acne rosacea.

Flagyl is available in tablet form coming in doses of 250mg, 500mg. it is available as capsules and extended release tablets with a dose of 750mg

When there are indications to use there are some contraindications too for its use. Flagyl antibiotic is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and should be used with caution for the next six months. It contraindicated in nursing mothers as it is excreted in the milk which can serious illness in the infant. It should not be used along with alcohol, warfarin and cimetidine.

Side effects are rare with flagyl as it is well tolerated. The minor side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, a metallic taste in the mouth and loss of appetite. Rare side effects are the neurological side effects like tingling sensation and numbness. Flagyl administration should be stopped once these side effects appear.