What is Metronidazole (Flagyl) Used For?
What is Metronidazole (Flagyl) Used For?
Metronidazole, or Flagyl, is an antimicrobial medication to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections, including those that affect the skin, vagina, blood, heart, bone, stomach, liver, joints, nervous system, respiratory tract, and other areas of the body.
This effective medication has become stable in every home and the first line of treatment for diarrhea without a prescription or supervision. Also, metronidazole is used for treating infections without first identifying the kind of infection leading to drug abuse. Despite its effectiveness in treating a wide range of infections, we must know that abuse of this medication can adversely affect our health.
Facts About Metronidazole (Flagyl)
With an increasing misuse of metronidazole among the public, a pharmacy known as AprokoPharamcist on Twitter shares some facts, including potential side effects of Flagyl. According to the pharmacist:
- Combining Flagyl (metronidazole) with alcohol can lead to a severe reaction known as the disulfiram-like reaction. This reaction may include symptoms like increased heart rate, vomiting, Nausea, and mad headache.
- It is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- It can interact with certain medications, so it is crucial to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.
- It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Before taking Flagyl, inform your healthcare provider if you have any history of neurological disorders.
- It can cause numbness, tingling, or understanding of what is said to you.
- It can cause fever, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to light.
- It can cause life-threatening liver problems in people with Cockayne syndrome. If you have this condition, stop taking Flagyl and contact your doctor if you have signs of liver failure- nausea, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice.
- It can cause depression, trouble sleeping, and feeling irritable.
- Flagyl can affect the results of some medical tests. Tell any doctor or pharmacist who treats you that you are using it.
- It may cause a darkening of urine, which is usually harmless.
- Do not share flagyl with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
- When you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you need to take the next dose soon, skip the missed dose and only take the next scheduled dose. Don’t double up or take more than one dose of Flagyl at a time.
- Do not stop taking Flagyl before the recommended period. After a few days of treatment, most people start to feel better. But that doesn’t mean the infection is entirely gone.
He emphasizes that this information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. He encourages the public to consult their healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any treatment. Flagyl is the brand name for metronidazole, an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication.