Flagyl ER

Drug Name

Flagyl ER (Metronidazole)

Drug Uses
Flagyl ER (Metronidazole) is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints, and respiratory tract. It may also be prescribed for other conditions that are not listed here.

How it is taken

Flagyl ER must be taken on an empty stomach at least one to two hours before or after eating. The tablet must be swallowed whole without breaking, crushing or chewing it. You must continue to use the drug for the full course of treatment to clear the infection completely.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Flagyl ER is an oral antiprotozoal and antibacterial that enters the cell wall of the bacteria and eliminates it.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Flagyl ER, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you have nerve, brain, or blood problems, Crohn disease, or a history of liver problems

You must not take Flagyl ER if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are allergic to any ingredient in Flagyl ER or to other nitroimidazoles (eg, tinidazole), are in the first 3 months of pregnancy, are taking busulfan, an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergotamine), or you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks, are taking an HIV protease inhibitor that contains alcohol (eg, amprenavir solution), are unsure if the medicine contains alcohol or you drink alcohol.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Flagyl ER and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Flagyl ER is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any one of the following.

arbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or phenytoin, because they reduce the efficiency of the drug.
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), busulfan, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), HIV protease inhibitors containing alcohol (eg, amprenavir solution), lithium, or macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus) because Flagyl ER increases the risk of their side effects.

Disulfiram because there are chances of side effects like mental or mood changes

Oral Contraceptives because Flagyl ER reduces their efficiency.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are Appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, metallic taste, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloody stools, increased or decreased urination, numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms, hands, legs, or feet, seizures, severe diarrhea, sore throat, chills, or fever, stomach pain or cramps, vaginal itching, odor, or discharge, white patches in the mouth.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.