What is Flagyl? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Flagyl

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

• Flagyl capsules can be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach.

  • Taking the capsule with food or milk will minimize stomach upset and other problems.

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.

• Store Flagyl capsules in a closed container at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Flagyl

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. 

• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Flagyl contraindications - Who shouldn't take Flagyl?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to metronidazole or similar medicines. 

• This medicine is also contraindicated for trichomoniasis in the first three months of pregnancy.

• Metronidazole is also contraindicated in anyone who:

  • Has had a psychotic reaction when taking the alcoholism treatment disulfiram

  • Has a rare hereditary disorder called Cockayne syndrome

Flagyl warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking Flagyl capsules.

• The prescriber may request follow-up visits or blood tests. Keep all appointments.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Before taking Flagyl, make sure the prescriber knows if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • A yeast infection

  • A genetic disorder called Cockayne syndrome

  • A history of blood disorders

  • A history of seizures

• Metronidazole can cause serious problems, including:

  • Nervous system disorders, including brain disorders, seizures, optic nerve damage, and peripheral nerve damage

  • Liver poisoning, liver damage, or liver failure

  • Severe skin reactions

• Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease, so you should take measures to avoid reinfection from your sexual partner during and after Flagyl treatment.

  • The doctor may wish to treat your sexual partner even if there are no symptoms.

  • Use a condom for sexual intercourse.

Flagyl interactions & what to avoid when taking Flagyl

• To avoid drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

• Metronidazole cannot safely be taken at the same time as the alcoholism treatment disulfiram. That drug must be stopped at least two weeks before the first dose of metronidazole is taken.

• To avoid potentially significant drug interactions, make sure the prescriber knows if you’re taking:

  • Blood thinners

  • HIV/AIDS drugs called protease inhibitors

  • Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin

  • Heart rhythm drugs

  • Busulfan, cimetidine, cyclosporine, lithium, mycophenolate, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• Do not drink alcohol or use medicine that contains alcohol or propylene glycol while using this medicine and for at least three days after treatment. 

  • Some foods contain propylene glycol, so check ingredient labels.

Find more detailed information about metronidazole interactions to avoid here.