Flagyl

What is it?

An antibacterial preparation and metronidazole, which is effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain other infective organisms. It is produced in a variety of forms: Flagyl tablets, film-coated, off-white tablets contain 200mg and 400mg metronidazole, the higher strength being capsule-shaped. Both are marked with strength and tablet name. FLAGYLS SUSPENSION contains 200mg mnetronidazole (as benzoate) per 5ml liquid. FLAGYL SUPPOSITORIES, in two strengths, contain 500mg and lg metronidazole.

Medical Uses

Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, amoebic dysentery and other amoebic diseases, elimination of the organism E. histolytica (which causes amoebic dysentery) from patients who are known to be infected but are not showing symptoms, -abscess of liver, trichomoniasis (of urogenital tract), vaginosis of bacterial origin.

Dosage

Adults, infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, Flagyl tablets or Flagyl Suspension, begin with 800mg 3 times each day and then reduce dose to 400mg; Flagyl suppositories, lg suppository every 8 hours for 3 days then treat with oral preparation. Amoebic dysentery and diseases, use tablets or suspension according to manufacturer's instructions. Vaginosis, tablets or suspension, 400mg twice each day for 1 week or 2g as a single dose; trichomonas, 400mg twice each day for 1 week or 200mg 3 times each day, or, 800mg as morning dose with 1200mg taken at night, for 2 days, or, a single dose of 2g. Acute, ulcerative gum infections, tablets or suspension, 200mg 3 times each day for 3 days; dental infections, same dose but continued for 1 week. Children, anaerobic bacterial infections, tablets or suspension, 7.5mg per kg of body weight 3 times each day; suppositories, same dose rectally every 8 hours for 3 days, then continue with tablets or suspension. Amoebic dysentery and infections, according to manufacturer's instructions. Tnchomonas, tablets or suspension, age 12 months to 3 years, 50mg 3 times each day; age 3 to 7 years, 100mg twice each day; age 7 to 10 years, 100mg 3 times each day; all given for 1 week. Aged over 12 years, as adult; not suitable for infants under 1 year old. Vaginitis of combined origin, treat children aged over 12 years as adult; not suitable for those aged under 10 years; aged 10 to 12 years, with caution as directed by doctor. Acute gum infections, aged 12 months to 3 years, 50mg three times each day; aged 3 to 7 years, 100mg twice each day; aged 7 years and over, 100mg three times each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, liver disorders, hepatic encephalopathy (a liver disease in which toxic substances normally removed by the liver interfere with the function of the brain).

Avoid Use

Children under 12 months.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Phenobarbitone, alcohol, lithium, anticoagulant drugs taken by mouth.

Known Side Effects

Central nervous system effects, dark coloured urine, unpleasant taste in mouth and furring of tongue, gastrointestinal upset, rash, angioneurotic oedema (a form of short- lived swelling due to fluid retention in various parts of the body), leucopenia (disturbance of white blood cell count). Long-term therapy may cause neuropathy (nerve disorders) and epileptic-type fits. In extremely rare cases, there may be hallucinations and confusion.