Metronidazole (Flagyl, Protostat)

Metronidazole (Flagyl, Protostat) is an antibiotic used against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (parasitic diseases).

Metronidazole is often used to treat:

• Venereal disease, 
• Acute intestinal amebiasis, 
• Trichomoniasis, 
• Serious infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, 
• Bone and joint infection, 
• Skin infection, 
• Abdominal infection, 
• Bacterial septicemia, 
• Lower respiratory tract infection, 
• Central nervous infection and 
• Endocarditis.

Warning: Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in rats and mice. Pregnant women should not take Metronidazole during the first trimester.

Active ingredient is Metronidazole

Inactive ingredients are hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, cellulose, FD&C Blue No.2, hydroxypropyl cellulose,  stearic acid, and titanium dioxide.

Dispense:
The usual adult dose for mild anaerobic infection is 3.4 mg per lb or 7.5 mg/kg for 7-10 days not to exceed 4 g in 24 hours.

Side effects of Metronidazole:

1. Convulsive seizures
2. Brain malfunction (Encephalopathy)
3. Aseptic meningitis
4. Numbness, weakness, burning pain especially during night time (peripheral neuropathy)
5. Nausea, reduce appetite or total aversion to food (Anorexia)
6. Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramping
7. Metallic taste, ferry tongue, inflammation of tongue (Glossitis)
8. Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
9. Throbocykopenia (low platelet
10. Hives (urticaria), rash
11. Steven-Johnson syndrome (a serious systemic allergic reaction with rash including skin, mouth, and genital areas) appears 1-3 weeks after taking the drugs
12. Pain or difficulty during urination (Dysuria)
13. Bladder inflammation (Cystitis)
14. Excessive urination (Polyuria) at least 2.5 liters per day the need to urinate frequently
15. Candidiasis in vagina or tongue
16. Decrease of libido
17. Joint pain

Drug interactions:

• Do not use Metronidazole in combination with warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants due to the ability to potentiate the anticoagulant effect of  Metronidazole
  
  
• Phenytoin or Phenobarbital may accelerate the elimination of Metronidazole
• Alcoholic beverages taken during Metronidazole therapy can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, headaches, vomiting, psychotic reactions and flushing

Caution:

Before taking this pharmaceutical, consider the potential benefits and risks to other alternative options.