Flagyl ER
Metronidazole extended release
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Flagyl ER
Flagyl ER is an antiprotozoal and anti bacterial agent. It acts by getting entry into the bacterial cells and killing the bacteria by acting on bacterial component.
Therapeutic Uses of Flagyl ER
Flagyl ER is used as an antibiotic. Flagyl ER is used in the treatment of bacterial infections of vagina, skin, respiratory tract and abdominal infections. It is also used in the treatment of amoebiasis (a protozoal infection causing diarrhea). It can not treat vaginal infection due to yeast. It can also be used in other conditions that are determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Flagyl ER
Flagyl ER should be taken as per direction of your doctor. Flagyl ER should be taken on empty stomach at least 1 hour before meal or 2 hours after meal. Swallow Flagyl ER as a whole without breaking it, crushing it, or chewing it. To get complete cure of your infection Flagyl ER should be taken for full course even if you feel better after taking Flagyl ER for few days. For exact dosing instruction check the label that is there with the Flagyl ER pills.
If You Miss a Dose of Flagyl ER
If you miss a dose of Flagyl ER, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose because you miss for long time, than skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss more than 1 dose successively, consult your doctor, because you may have to restart the treatment or change over to another medicine. Do not take extra dose of Flagyl ER to make up the missed dose.
How to Store Flagyl ER
Flagyl ER should be stored at room temperature and in a cool, dry and dark place.
More Information About Flagyl ER
If you have any question about Flagyl ER, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider. It should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share Flagyl ER with anyone. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Flagyl ER
Do not use Flagyl ER if you have any of the problems listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Flagyl ER or any nitroimidazoles drug like tinidazole.
- If you are pregnant, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are breast feeding you should not use Flagyl ER.
- If you are on HIV protease inhibitor that contains alcohol (amprenavir solution) or any medicine that contain alcohol.
- If you are taking busulfan, an ergot alkaloid like ergotamine or taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks.
Flagyl ER may interact with some medical conditions. You should inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions that interact with Flagyl ER and the conditions are listed below:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you have allergy to medicines, foods or any other substances.
- If you have history of liver problem, Crohn disease, nerve or brain problems.
- If you are taking any medicine whether prescribed or non prescribed, or any dietary supplement or herbal medicine.
Some medicines may interact with Flagyl ER. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines listed below:
- The effectiveness of Flagyl ER may be decreased by phenytoin or barbiturates like Phenobarbital.
- Disulfiram may cause mental disturbance, flashing, palpitation, sweating, tremor etc. or alcohol with Flagyl ER may cause disulfiram like reaction.
- The efficacy of birth control pills may be may be reduced by Flagyl ER.
- Anticoagulants like warfarin, ergot alkaloids like ergotamine, macrolide immunosuppressants like tacrolimus, HIV protease inhibitors etc. because the side effects of these drugs may be increased by Flagyl ER.
Possible Adverse Effects Flagyl ER
- All medicines can cause some side effects. But some people get no side effects or get minor side effects. Consult your doctor if most common side effects of Flagyl ER become bothersome or they persist for longer duration. Common side effects of Flagyl ER are metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, yellow color urine etc.
- Seek medical attention if you get any of the severe side effects like bloody stools, stomach pain or cramps; numbness, tingling, or burning of your hands, legs, or feet; vaginal itching, odor, or discharge; sore throat, chills, or fever; increased or decreased urination; severe constipation, allergic reactions to Flagyl ER etc.