Summary

Metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER) is a prescription antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of a variety of parasitic and bacterial infections of the vagina, gynecological area, skin, intra-abdominal cavity, blood, bone, joint, nervous system, and heart. For example:

Research has shown that Flagyl causes cancer in mice and rats. Only take this drug as your doctor prescribes it. This medicine is an antibacterial drug and is susceptible to antibiotic resistance; a healthcare provider should only prescribe it for treatment if the infection is proven or strongly thought to be caused by bacteria.

Common side effects of Flagyl are loss of appetite, headaches, and nausea. Serious side effects are encephalopathy, seizures, and aseptic meningitis. You can take metronidazole taken with or without food. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug because the combination can cause severe nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, and cramps.

Flagyl is available in doses for adults as tablets of 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg. The dose for pediatric patients is available as tablets of 35 to 50 mg/kg/24 hours. Patient dosage administration depends upon the severity of infection caused by parasites or bacteria, and any other existing medical conditions, particularly if they are severe. There are several drug interactions with Flagyl. Interactions, for example, like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), cimetidine (Tagamet), cholestyramine (Questran, Questran Light), amprenavir (Agenerase), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and cyclosporine. This medicine may cause increased heart rate, which can lead to seizures. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other medical professional if you have questions about Flagyl.

Metronidazole also is available as a capsule (375 mg), cream (0.75% and 1 mg), Lotion (0.75%), gel (0.75% and 1%), and injection (5mg/ml).