Flagil is a widely used antimicrobial that has gained the trust of many patients. It is a generic of the French pharmaceutical company SANOFI, which is distinguished by the high quality of its products. The cost of the drug along with its effectiveness allows its use in a wide range of patients. The drug refers to nitro-5-imidazole derivatives and has an antimicrobial effect against amebas, giardia, Helicobacter pylori, trichomonads, clostridia and others.
When to take Flagyl
The drug penetrates well into the lungs, kidneys, liver, bile, cerebrospinal fluid, skin, saliva, vaginal secretion. It is used for surgical pathology caused by metronidazole-sensitive organisms, viz:
- urogenital system;
- cardiovascular system;
- gastrointestinal organs;
- blood;
- lungs;
- skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue;
- bones, joints.
Metronidazole is used in gynecology both as monotherapy and as part of complex treatment of various internal genital diseases, including bacterial vaginosis, urogenital trichomoniasis, amebiasis.
How to take
Flagyl comes in 2 forms – in tablets and suppositories (suppositories). The dosage of the tablets is 250 mg, the suppositories 500 mg. Tablets are taken orally with plenty of water, 2 to 6 tablets/day. The suppositories are inserted into the vagina once a day, preliminarily the suppository should be warmed in the palm for easier insertion. Frequency of administration and duration of treatment is determined individually, depending on the type of disease and the severity of its course, but no more than 10 days, and no more than 2-3 bundles a year.
For preventive purposes, the drug may be prescribed only by a doctor before the upcoming surgery to prevent infectious complications. The drug is not used for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections after unprotected intercourse, for the prevention of respiratory viral infections and flu.
Flagyl is completely eliminated from the body within 24 hours. Flagyl metabolizes 30% of its active substance in the liver and 35% is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, it should be taken into account when administering the drug to patients with impaired liver and kidney function.
Contraindications
The drug is used in adults and children over 6 years of age. Given the pharmacological properties of Flagyl it is not recommended for:
- hypersensitivity to metronidazole;
- low levels of white blood cells, blood platelets;
- pathology of the central nervous system (including epilepsy);
- renal insufficiency (the dosage is adjusted depending on the glomerular filtration rate);
- hepatic insufficiency (dosage is adjusted with regard to ALT, AST levels);
- Crohn’s disease;
- Cockaigne’s syndrome.
The drug is able to penetrate through the blood-placental barrier and into the breast milk, affecting the fetus and child, so Flagyl is not used alone in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In individual cases, considering the benefit/risk a doctor may prescribe Flagyl to this group of patients, observing the recommendations on breastfeeding.
Side effects
Side effects may not develop, but if they occur, the degree of their severity is strictly individual. To the most frequent unpleasant feelings that develop against the background of taking Flagyl can be attributed such symptoms as:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures. Stop taking the drug, consult your doctor. Due to the development of this effect, the drug is not used in drivers.
- Increased body temperature. May occur as a result of hypersensitivity to Flagyl. If fever develops, stop taking the drug and consult a physician.
- Allergic reaction, the severity of which may vary widely: from skin rash, accompanied by itching and swelling of the skin, to Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic reaction. It is necessary to stop taking the medicine, call an ambulance, take anti-allergic drugs. If you had earlier allergic reactions to drugs of metronidazole or imidazole series – consult your doctor.
- Antabuse effect. When combined with alcohol, flushes, reddening of the skin, vomiting, increased heart rate may occur.
The following symptoms may be noted when taking the drug:
- A change in the color of the urine to a dark color;
- Decreased appetite;
- Metallic taste in the mouth;
- Decrease in the level of white blood cells in the blood;
- Development of nerve pathology when taken over a long period of time.
Peculiarities of use Flagyl
Before starting to use Flagyl, pay attention to the following recommendations:
when taking the drug for a long time, it is necessary to monitor the indicators of the general blood analysis, leukocyte levels;
false-positive Nelson’s test is possible, because treponemes are immobilized;
In case of interaction with anticoagulants, muscle relaxants, their effect can intensify (risk of bleeding – INR must be controlled);
During the treatment it is necessary to refrain from taking alcohol even in small doses, drugs containing propylene glycol (otherwise the metabolism of Flagyl and its elimination from the body may be impaired). You can take alcohol no sooner than 24 hours after the end of treatment;
Treatment should be carried out in both partners, to prevent re-infection and relapse of the disease, even if the partner has no symptoms of STIs. It is recommended to refuse sexual intercourse, or to use barrier contraception (there is an increased risk of condom breakage). During menstruation, the drug is not stopped, it is not allowed to use tampons. After treatment control tests are performed to control the quality of treatment 3-4 weeks after the end of taking Flagyl.
If you take any drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, you must inform your doctor.
