Flagyl Generic is taken orally, however in serious instances it is used intravenously at the first stages of the treatment, and then patients usually turn to the oral form of Flagyl. Depending on the nature of the infection the dosage may be different. For instance, in case of brain abcesses high doses are usually taken. Prescribing this drug, a doctor takes into account the medical condition of each patient, therefore Flagyl should be used in concordance with the instructions of your doctor. It is not advisable to chew this drug, because it should be swallowed as a whole being washed down with water. Food doesn’t affect the absorption of Flagyl, hence it can be used before, during or after having a meal. Very often antibiotics improve the condition of a patient rather quickly and people tend to discontinue their course of treatment before the fixed date. However even if you see considerable improvements, the full therapy course must be accomplished so as to prevent the risk of the recurrence of the infection. It is not advisable to drink alcohol during Flagyl treatment and for two days later, because it may lead to headache, sickness, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and flushing.
Patients suffering from amebic dysentery usually take Fagyl for 5-10 days, however the dosage may vary. As for children, Flagyl can be used only in case of Amoebiasis. Children with this problem usually take only 3 doses in the 10-day period. Since plasma clearance reduces in patients with compromised liver function, elderly people should undergo lab tests so as to control the level of serum, because only thus they can get the proper dosage of the drug.
Patients with extreme anaerobic infections usually get a dose of Flagyl intravenously during the first stage of their treatment, and then take the medicine orally every 6 hours (the dosage depends on the weight of a patient), for 7-10 days. The dosage regimen may vary and the duration of the treatment may exceed 10 days in case of infections of joints, bones, endocardium, and lower airway. Patients with a serious liver condition take low doses of this medicine, to prevent Metronidazole from accumulating in the plasma.
Inform you physician about all the health problems that you have been affected by, before he prescribes you Flagyl. Some diseases demand special attention, among them are compromised liver function, convulsions, portosystemic encephalopathy (a brain illness that is triggered by a liver problem), regional enteritis, prophyrias (an inherited blood desiase), leukopenia (decreased number of leucocytes) or anemia (decreased number of erythrocytes). Besides, it is essential to tell about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal remedies and food additives, that you are taking, so that your doctor could prevent possible interactions, adjust the dosage and order all the necessary laboratory tests to control your condition. Particularly important is to inform your physician about all the allergic reactions that you might have, especially to medicines that are derived from Nitroimidazole or Metronidazole.
A lot of medicines interact with Metronidazole. Adverse reactions, such as bleeding, can occur if it is taken with anticoagulants (for example, Nicoumalone, Warfarin). Antiepileptic drugs (Phenobarbital) can decrease the effectiveness of Flagyl. People who take it with lithium or ciclosporin will have to undergo laboratory tests once in a while in order to control their kidney function and blood levels. Taken together with Fluorouracil (an anti-cancer medication), Metronidazole can aggravate the adverse effects triggered by Flourouracil, however Flagyl does not affect the anti-cancer action. Patients who use Flagyl along with Phenytoin can have increased blood levels which will require control.
