Drug Name

Flagyl ER (Metronidazole)

Drug Uses

Flagyl ER is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body. Flagyl ER is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints, and respiratory tract. This medication will not treat a vaginal yeast infection. Flagyl ER may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Take the extended-release form of metronidazole (Flagyl ER) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. Take this medication for the entire length of time, prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Flagyl ER will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Flagyl ER is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-cell living organisms that thrive in low oxygen environments and can cause disease in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis) liver (liver abscess), and pelvis ( abscess of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes). Giardia lamblia and ameba are parasites that can cause abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea in infected individuals. Flagyl ER selectively blocks some of the cell functions in these microorganisms, resulting in their demise.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Flagyl ER should be stored at room temperature and protected from light.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: cimetidine (Tagamet); seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or disulfiram (Antabuse). If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use flagyl ER or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. There may be other drugs, not listed, that can affect flagyl ER. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs, prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it. You may have unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting. Check the labels of any medicines or food products you use to make sure they do not contain alcohol.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: seizures (convulsions); fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, flu symptoms; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; pain or burning when you urinate; or diarrhea that is watery or bloody. Keep taking Flagyl ER and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea; - headache, dizziness, loss of balance; vaginal itching or discharge; dry mouth or unpleasant metallic taste; cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; or swollen or sore tongue.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.