Flagyl 200 mg (Metronidazole)

What Is Flagyl 200 mg?

Flagyl 200 mg is an oral formulation of metronidazole, which belongs to the nitroimidazole group of antimicrobial medicines. Metronidazole has activity against susceptible anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites.

Depending on the diagnosis, a healthcare professional may use metronidazole to manage conditions associated with susceptible organisms, including some dental, gastrointestinal, pelvic and other bacterial infections, as well as certain protozoal infections.

Metronidazole does not work against viral illnesses such as the common cold. Using antimicrobial medicines when they are not required can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, Flagyl 200 mg should be taken only for an appropriate diagnosed or strongly suspected infection and according to professional medical advice.

How Does Flagyl 200 mg Work?

Metronidazole enters susceptible microorganisms and is converted into active compounds that interfere with their DNA. This disrupts important cellular processes and ultimately prevents susceptible microorganisms from surviving and multiplying.

Its effectiveness depends on whether the organism responsible for the infection is sensitive to metronidazole. This is why the medicine should not be self-selected simply because another person experienced similar symptoms.

The time required for symptoms to improve also varies according to the infection. Feeling better does not necessarily mean that the infection has been completely treated.

How to Take Flagyl 200 mg

Take Flagyl 200 mg exactly as prescribed. There is no single dosage schedule suitable for every infection. The dose, frequency and treatment duration depend on factors such as the condition being treated, its severity, age and other relevant medical considerations.

Metronidazole tablets are generally swallowed with water. NHS guidance advises taking the tablets with or just after food. When several doses are prescribed each day, they should generally be spaced as evenly as practical.

Do not stop treatment early merely because you feel better. Completing the prescribed course helps reduce the risk of the infection returning and inappropriate antimicrobial use contributing to resistance. If you forget a dose, do not double your next dose to compensate.

Side Effects

Like other medicines, Flagyl 200 mg can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea or stomach discomfort may occur. Some people may also notice an unusual or metallic taste.

Contact a healthcare professional if side effects are persistent, troublesome or worsening. More serious reactions require prompt medical attention. These can include symptoms of a severe allergic or skin reaction or neurological symptoms such as unusual numbness, tingling, seizures or confusion.

DailyMed labeling also describes rare but potentially serious neurological and severe skin reactions associated with metronidazole.

Warnings & Interactions

Tell your doctor about your medical history and all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use before starting Flagyl.

Metronidazole can interact with several medicines. Important examples include warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants, lithium and disulfiram. DailyMed states that metronidazole may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, meaning additional monitoring may be required. It should not be administered to patients who have taken disulfiram within the previous two weeks.

Patients with neurological disorders, significant liver problems or a history of certain blood disorders should make sure their prescriber is aware of these conditions before treatment.

Safety Advice

🫀 Liver Disease

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking Flagyl 200 mg. Because metronidazole is metabolised in the liver, significant hepatic impairment can affect how the medicine is handled by the body. Your healthcare professional can determine whether treatment or dosage adjustment is appropriate.

🫘 Kidney Impairment

People with kidney problems should inform their healthcare professional before treatment, particularly if kidney impairment is severe or dialysis is required. Your doctor can assess your medical condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

🤰 Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Speak with your doctor before using Flagyl during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. NHS guidance states that metronidazole may be used during pregnancy when appropriate and that oral metronidazole passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. Individual medical advice is still recommended.

🍷 Alcohol & Things to Avoid

Avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole. Current U.S. DailyMed labeling advises avoiding alcoholic beverages and products containing propylene glycol during treatment and for at least three days after the final dose, because symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache and flushing may occur.

Storage

Keep Flagyl 200 mg in its original packaging and follow the storage conditions printed on the product label. Protect the medicine from inappropriate heat or moisture and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use tablets after their expiry date. Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of expired or unused medicine safely rather than sharing leftover antibiotics with another person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flagyl 200 mg used for?

Flagyl 200 mg contains metronidazole and may be prescribed for certain infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria or parasites. The appropriate use depends on the specific infection diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Is Flagyl 200 mg an antibiotic?

Metronidazole is an antimicrobial medicine with antibacterial activity against susceptible anaerobic bacteria and activity against certain protozoal parasites. It does not treat viral infections such as colds or flu.

How quickly does Flagyl 200 mg work?

Metronidazole begins acting against susceptible organisms after treatment starts, but the time until symptoms improve depends on the infection and the individual. Continue taking it for the prescribed duration even if you begin feeling better.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Flagyl 200 mg?

Alcohol should be avoided during metronidazole treatment. U.S. DailyMed labeling also recommends avoiding it for at least three days after completing treatment because an unpleasant reaction may occur.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that situation, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.