Flagyl

Generic name: Metronidazole

Metronidazole extended-release tablets

What are metronidazole extended-release tablets?

METRONIDAZOLE (Flagyl® ER) kills or prevents the growth of certain bacteria and protozoa (single cell organisms). Metronidazole extended-release tablets are used to treat an infection of the vagina called bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole is also used to treat other types of infections. Generic extended-release tablets of metronidazole are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you drink alcoholic beverages
• anemia or other blood disorders
• liver disease
• disease of the nervous system
• seizures (convulsions)
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take metronidazole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?

• alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages or medicines
• amprenavir
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• disulfiram
• fluorouracil
• lithium
• methadone
• phenytoin
• ramelteon
• sirolimus
• tacrolimus
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking metronidazole?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• clumsiness, dizziness, or unsteadiness
• fever or chills, sore throat
• numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching
• vomiting or severe stomach pain

More common:

• unusual tiredness or weakness
• irritation or discharge from the vagina

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dark brown or reddish urine
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• food tasting unusual or like metal
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• mild stomach pain or cramps

What should I watch for while taking metronidazole?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.

If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood checks.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking metronidazole and for three days afterwards. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed. Drinking alcohol while you are taking metronidazole may also give you headaches or stomach pains.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metronidazole affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

If you are being treated for an infection of your sex organs, your sexual partner may also need treatment. You can use a condom to stop reinfection of you or your sexual partner.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using metronidazole.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.