What is Flagyl 500 mg for? and what are it's side effects?

Answer 1

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Metronidazole (INN) (IPA: [mɛtrəˈnaɪdəzoʊl]) is a nitroimidazole anti-infective drug used mainly in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. It is marketed by Sanofi-Aventis under the trade name Flagyl, and also by various generic manufacturers. Metronidazole is also used in the treament of the dermatological condition rosacea, where it is marketed by Galderma under the trade names Rozex and MetroGel.

Mode of action

Metronidazole is selectively taken up by anaerobic bacteria and sensitive protozoal organisms because of the ability of these organisms to reduce metronidazole to its active form intracellularly. The nitro group of metronidazole is chemically reduced by ferredoxin (or ferredoxin-linked metabolic process) and the products are responsible for disrupting the DNA helical structure, thus inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis.

Indications

Systemic metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of:

* Bacterial vaginosis due to Trichomonas vaginalis infection in both symptomatic patients as well as their asymptomatic sexual contacts; and due to Gardnerella or Mycoplasma hominis infection in symptomatic patients
* Pelvic inflammatory disease in conjunction with other antibiotics such as ofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ceftriaxone
* Amoebic dysentery due to Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia should be treated alone or in conjunction with iodoquinol or diloxanide furoate
* Hepatic abscess due to Entamoeba histolytica
* Anaerobic bacterial infections such as Bacteroides fragilis, spp, Fusobacterium spp, Clostridium spp, Peptostreptococcus spp, Prevotella spp, or any other anaerobes in intraabdominal abscess, peritonitis, empyema, pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, lung abscess, diabetic foot ulcer, meningitis and brain abscess, bone and joint infections, septicemia, endometritis, tubo-ovarian abscess, or endocarditis
* Pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium difficile
* Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, as part of a multi-drug regimen in peptic ulcer disease
* Surgical prophylaxis for those undergoing potentially contaminated colorectal surgery and may be combined with neomycin
* Acute gingivitis and other dental infections (TGA approved, non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved)
* Crohn's disease with colonic or perianal involvement (non-FDA approved)

Topical metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of rosacea, and has been used in the treatment of malodorous fungating wounds.[1]

Prevention of preterm births

Metronidazole has also been used in women to prevent preterm birth associated with bacterial vaginosis, amongst other risk factors including the presence of cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN). A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that metronidazole was ineffective in preventing preterm delivery in high-risk pregnant women and, conversely, the incidence of preterm delivery was actually higher in women treated with metronidazole.[2]

Adverse effects

Common adverse drug reactions (≥1% of patients) associated with systemic metronidazole therapy include: nausea, diarrhoea, and/or metallic taste. Intravenous administration is commonly associated with thrombophlebitis. Infrequent adverse effects include: hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itch, flushing, fever), headache, dizziness, vomiting, glossitis, stomatitis, dark urine, and/or paraesthesia.[1]

High doses and/or long-term systemic treatment with metronidazole is associated with the development of furry black tongue, leukopenia, neutropenia, increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and/or CNS toxicity.[1]

Metronidazole is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a potential human carcinogen. Although some of the testing methods have been questioned, it has been shown to cause cancer in experimental animals.[3] Nevertheless, it appears to have a fairly low potential for cancer risk and under most circumstances the benefits of treatment outweighs the risk.

Common adverse drug reactions associated with topical metronidazole therapy include local redness, dryness, and/or skin irritation; and eye watering (if applied near eyes).[1]

Interaction with alcohol

Co-administration of metronidazole and ethanol (alcohol) results, rarely, in a disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, flushing, tachycardia). Consumption of alcohol should be avoided by patients during systemic metronidazole therapy and for at least 24 hours after completion of treatment.[1] However, the occurrence of this reaction in the clinical setting has recently been questioned by some authors.

Answer 2

Symptomatic Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic trichomoniasis in females and males when the presence of the trichomonad has been confirmed by appropriate laboratory procedures (wet smears and/or cultures).

Asymptomatic Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole is indicated in the treatment of asymptomatic females when the organism is associated with endocervicitis, cervicitis, or cervical erosion. Since there is evidence that presence of the trichomonad can interfere with accurate assessment of abnormal cytological smears, additional smears should be performed after eradication of the parasite.

Two serious adverse reactions reported in patients treated with Flagyl (metronidazole) have been convulsive seizures and peripheral neuropathy, the latter characterized mainly by numbness or paresthesia of an extremity. Since persistent peripheral neuropathy has been reported in some patients receiving prolonged administration of Flagyl, patients should be specifically warned about these reactions and should be told to stop the drug and report immediately to their physicians if any neurologic symptoms occur.

The most common adverse reactions reported have been referable to the gastrointestinal tract, particularly nausea reported by about 12% of patients, sometimes accompanied by headache, anorexia, and occasionally vomiting; diarrhea; epigastric distress; and abdominal cramping. Constipation has also been reported.

Answer 3

It's for like, urinary infections, side effects are, nausea, DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHEN ON FLAGYL!!! They used to give Flagyl to recovering alcoholics to make sure they didn't drink, you'll be vomiting violently.

Answer 4

its a strong antibiotic= amebicides also called Metronidazole.common side effects=headache , confusion, depression , restlessness, irritability, fatigue, drowsiness, insomia, nausea , vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, constipation , dry mouth , darkened urine, incontinence, decreased libido, dryness of vulvaand vagina, sense of pelvis pressure,pruritis, flushing and rash ..these are Common side effects

Source(s):

nursing handbook

Answer 5

it is for amebic dysentery-stomach cramps that are cause by parisites {amoebas}. usually if you visit some countries and drink the water you will have problems with it. years ago there were some indications that it may produce tumors, do not drink alcohol with this drug, it will make you very sick.also if you are pregnant do not take it, birth defects have been linked to it. if you need more information contact your local pharmacy, they are great about printing out info on meds.

Answer 6

An antibiotic for treating acute gum infections. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiparasitic drug classified as a nitroimidazole. It inhibits nucleic acid synthesis and is used for the treatment of infections involving anaerobic bacteria as well as protozoal infections.