Flagyl is a prescription medicine that is available as a Tablet, Syrup, Suspension, Infusion. It is primarily used for the treatment of Bacterial Infections, Stomach Infection, Amebiasis. Secondary and off-label uses of Flagyl have also been mentioned below.
The optimal dosage of Flagyl is largely dependent on the individual's body weight, medical history, gender and age. Dosage also depends on the route of administration and your chief complaint for which the drug is prescribed. Refer to the dosage section for a detailed discussion.
The side effects typically associated with Flagyl include Nausea or vomiting, Headache. Besides the aforementioned side effects, there are other adverse effects of Flagyl as well, which are listed below. Such side effects of Flagyl normally do not last long and go away once the treatment is completed. However, if these continue for a longer time, consult your doctor right away.
It is also important to note that Flagyl has a Safe effect for pregnant women and Moderate effect on lactating mothers. Warnings related to Flagyl's effects on the liver, heart and kidney, if any, have been listed below.
Flagyl can cause adverse effects in certain medical conditions. It is strongly recommended to avoid Flagyl in conditions like Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy. The section on Flagyl contraindications lists all such conditions.
Drug reaction of Flagyl with other medicines has been reported. Refer to the list below for further details.
In addition to the above precautions for Flagyl, it is important to know that it is not safe while driving, and is not habit-forming.
Flagyl is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
|
| Adult(Female) |
|
| Geriatric |
|
| 13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
| 2 - 12 years (Child) |
|
| Neonates (0 to 1 month) |
|
| Infant (1 month to 2 years) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Flagyl is used -
Severe
Moderate
Mild
Common
Is the use of Flagyl safe for pregnant women?
Flagyl is safe to take during pregnancy.
Is the use of Flagyl safe during breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding women may feel side effects of Flagyl. If you see any side effects, stop taking Flagyl immediately and talk to your doctor. Take Flagyl again, only after your doctor's advice.
What is the effect of Flagyl on the Kidneys?
Very few cases of side effects of Flagyl on kidney have been reported.
What is the effect of Flagyl on the Liver?
Very few cases of side effects of Flagyl on the liver have been reported.
What is the effect of Flagyl on the Heart?
Flagyl may have mild side effects on the heart. Most people will never see any effect on the heart.
Flagyl should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Life Threatening
Severe
Moderate
Mild
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Flagyl unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Flagyl habit forming or addictive?
Forming a habit of Flagyl has not been reported.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
No, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Flagyl as you may feel sleepy.
Is it safe?
Yes, but consume Flagyl only on doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
No, Flagyl is not used to treat mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Flagyl
Taking Flagyl with food is safe.
Interaction between Alcohol and Flagyl
Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol while taking Flagyl as it can have severe side effects.
No, Flagyl does not cause infertility. There is no evidence suggesting infertility in connection with this drug.
Yes, Flagyl and ibuprofen can be taken at the same time. There are no known drug interactions found between them.
No, Flagyl cannot be used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI). This is because Flagyl is effective but is found to be badly-tolerated in patients suffering from urinary tract infections (UTI).
Yes, Flagyl can cause constipation and other stomach related side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramps, and stomach discomfort. You are recommended to eat non-spicy light meals along with fibrous fruits to avoid constipation and other stomach related problems. However, in case of severe constipation please inform your doctor right away.
No, Flagyl cannot cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). There are no known cases. However, if you are in doubt you can discuss with your doctor to find out exact the cause for high blood sugar levels.
This medicine data has been created by -
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Flagyl® Metronidazole
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 837-839
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 850-851