WHAT IS Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• Metronidazole/Flagyl is used to treat infections such as abdominal infections, skin and tissue infections, bone and joint infections, gynecologic infections, and respiratory tract infections.
• Metronidazole/Flagyl is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body.
• Metronidazole/Flagyl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of a metronidazole/Flagyl overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.
• Seek emergency medical attention.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• Metronidazole/Flagyl is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take metronidazole/Flagyl without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Metronidazole/Flagyl passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• You may not be able to take metronidazole/Flagyl , or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
  • liver disease,
  • a stomach or intestinal disease, or
  • epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole/Flagyl . Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during metronidazole/Flagyl therapy.
• Be aware of the alcohol content of other products such as cough and cold medicines. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• Take all of the metronidazole/Flagyl that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole/Flagyl . Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during metronidazole/Flagyl therapy.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking metronidazole/Flagyl and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives);
  • dizziness or loss of coordination; or
  • numbness or tingling;
  • severe diarrhea.
  • seizures;
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take metronidazole/Flagyl and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • darkening of your urine;
  • swollen or sore tongue.
  • an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth;
  • constipation or mild diarrhea;
  • nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
  • headache; or
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• Take all of the metronidazole/Flagyl that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Use injectable metronidazole/Flagyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take metronidazole/Flagyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Store metronidazole/Flagyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Flagyl/Metronidazole?

• amprenavir
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• lithium/Eskalith
• tacrolimus/Prograf
• sirolimus
• methadone
• warfarin/Coumadin
• carbamazepine/Tegretol
• fluorouracil
• phenytoin/Phenytek er
• disulfiram/Antabuse
• alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages or medicines
• ramelteon
• cimetidine

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.