The active ingredient of Flagyl is metronidazole that belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics. Flagyl is a brand name and Metronidazole is a generic. The Metronidazole is the same medicine as Flagyl just from another manufacturer with absolutely the same main ingredient and difference in color and form only.
Metronidazole possesses a wide spectrum of antibacterial action. It is effective against anaerobic bacteria including Peptostreptococcus, Clostridium sp., Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Lamblia,Bacteroides sp., Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Veilonella. Metronidazole disturbs the genetic material making bacteria not possible to replicate new DNA. This is ultimately fatal for the bacteria and protozoa.
Flagyl is taken orally in tablet form. It is important to maintain a constant level of Flagyl in the blood. Therefore, it must be taken at regular intervals without missing any doses. Take Flagyl with 8 ounces of water (one glass). Flagyl can be taken by itself, or with meals. If dry mouth occurs, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy or ice chips may help.
Pay attention to anti-blood-clotting (anticoagulant) drugs including warfarin. The combined use of Flagyl and anticoagulans may increase the risk of vaginal bleeding or clotting. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking barbiturates, disulfiram, or warfarin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Metronidazole. Treatment of certain infections (trichomoniasis), may require that sexual partners be treated as well to avoid reinfection.
There are possible side-effects associated with Flagyl that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Flagyl will experience it or any other. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash; vomiting; sore throat or fever; numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms, hands, legs, or feet; or seizures.