Medicinal properties
The drug is classified as an antimicrobial and antiprotozoal agent. It has a wide range of action. The active substance that is part of the medicine leads to the death of microorganisms. "Flagyl" is effective in the fight against Trichomonas, Gardnerella, Giardia, and is also active against many obligate anaerobes. It is worth noting that the product is ineffective against aerobic and facultative microorganisms.
When taken, metronidazole is rapidly absorbed; eating does not affect the absorption of the drug. The substance quickly enters the blood and tissues. Most of it is excreted through the kidneys; the half-life is about 10 hours.
special instructions
Flagyl is not recommended for use when drinking alcohol due to the possibility of vomiting, feeling hot, and tachycardia.
According to reviews of Flagyl, long-term use of the drug requires monitoring of hematological parameters. If leukopenia develops, the question of subsequent use of this drug is decided by the doctor, taking into account the risk of an infectious process.
During treatment for trichomonas vaginitis, you should not have sexual intercourse. During the menstrual period, treatment with Flagyl continues.
If neurological symptoms occur, therapy with this drug should be discontinued.
Metronidazole, which is part of the drug, is capable of immobilizing treponemes, which sometimes leads to a false-positive Nelson reaction.
If, after treatment of giardiasis, the symptoms persist, after three to four weeks three stool tests are performed, observing intervals of several days, since in some patients who have been successfully treated for giardiasis, lactose intolerance caused by the invasion, reminiscent of the symptoms of the disease, may persist for several more weeks and even months.
Indications for use
"Flagyl" is prescribed for the following pathologies:
- Protozoal infections (trichomoniasis, amebiasis, amoebic dysentery, etc.)
- Infectious diseases of the nervous system
- Pneumonia, sepsis, lung abscess
- Urogenital infections
- Infectious diseases of the abdominal cavity
- Pseudomembranous colitis that occurs due to antibiotics.
- Gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers caused by Helicobacter.
In addition, tablets are used in preventive measures after surgery, in gynecology and other areas of medicine.
Cases of assistance
Flagyl indications for use relate to diseases caused by protozoa and anaerobic microorganisms. These bacteria are highly tolerant of unfavorable factors. They settle in deep wounds and dying tissues. In these places, the level of local defense of the body is reduced.
Prescribing Flagyl in tablet form is advisable in the following cases:
- During protozoal infections: amoebic liver abscess, intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis, trichomoniasis, giardiasis, trichomonas urethritis and vaginitis.
- Against infections caused by bacteroids (helps with meningitis, brain abscess, endocarditis, pneumonia, sepsis, diseases of bones and joints).
- Fights against pathological processes in the abdominal cavity caused by peptostreptococci, peptococci, clostridia (prescribed for peritonitis, liver and ovarian abscess, endometritis).
- Helps with diseases of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
- The indication is the detection of pseudomembranous colitis caused by antibiotics.
- Used for preventive purposes after operations.
Forms of release and method of application
Average price from 120 to 170 rubles.
Flagyl tablets
Flagyl tablets are white or light yellow in color, coated with a special film. The package consists of 2 blisters, each containing 10 tablets.
The tablets are taken orally. For different diseases, the dosage regimen is different:
- Amoebiasis. 2 tablets 2-3 times a day, for 5-7 days
- Trichomoniasis. Take 1 tablet 2 times a day, 10 days
- Nonspecific vaginitis. 500 mg 2 times a day, therapeutic course of a week
- Anaerobic infections. Take Flagyl 1-1.5 g per day. Children are prescribed based on body weight.
Average price from 550 to 750 rubles.
Candles "Flagyl"
The medicine can also be available in the form of suppositories. Candles come in yellow or white, standard shape. The package consists of 10 pieces, 5 candles in a cell-contour package.
Suppositories containing 500 mg of metronidazole are used topically. One suppository is inserted into the vagina 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment lasts from 7 to 10 days. It must be remembered that Flagyl therapy can be carried out for no more than 10 days, 2-3 times a year.
special instructions
Since simultaneous use of the drug with alcohol can have an effect similar to that of disulfiram (feeling of heat, vomiting, tachycardia), patients should be warned not to drink alcoholic beverages or medications containing alcohol during treatment with Flagyl.
Long-term administration of the drug is preferably carried out under the control of the blood count. With leukopenia, the possibility of continuing treatment depends on the risk of developing an infectious process.
When treating trichomonas vaginitis in women and trichomonas urethritis in men, it is necessary to abstain from sexual activity. Simultaneous treatment of sexual partners is mandatory. Treatment does not stop during menstruation. After treatment for trichomoniasis, control tests should be carried out during 3 consecutive cycles before and after menstruation.
After treatment of giardiasis, if symptoms persist, after 3-4 weeks, perform 3 stool tests at intervals of several days (in some successfully treated patients, lactose intolerance caused by infestation may persist for several weeks or months, resembling the symptoms of giardiasis).
Treatment should be discontinued if ataxia, dizziness, hallucinations develop, or if the neurological status of patients worsens.
It must be taken into account that metronidazole can immobilize treponemes, which leads to a false-positive Nelson test. Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery
Due to the possibility of dizziness and other side effects associated with taking the drug, it is recommended to refrain from driving a car or using other machinery.
Contraindications and precautions
The drug should not be taken in the following cases:
- Serious damage to the nervous system
- Kidney failure
- Blood pathologies
- Pregnancy
- Drug intolerance
- Lactation
- Children under 10 years old.
Moreover, tablets are prescribed with extreme caution for renal encephalopathy, chronic ailments of the central nervous system, and kidney problems.
The drug should not be taken with alcohol, as vomiting, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, etc. may occur.
When treating trichomoniasis, therapy must be carried out by both partners. You should also abstain from sexual activity during therapy. Women during menstruation should not refuse to take pills.
When Flagyl is used for a long time, side effects are possible, so treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Taking into account the side effects of the drug, driving, as well as activities where the necessary concentration of attention is better to avoid.
Lactation period and pregnancy
The medicine is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since the active substance can have a negative effect on the fetus. And during feeding, the substance enters the mother’s milk. The drug is prescribed during pregnancy only in extreme cases, for health reasons, and then under the strict supervision of a specialist.
Interaction with other drugs
It is worth limiting the intake of drugs containing ethanol, since ethanol intolerance is observed when taking Flagyl.
Interaction of Flagyl with other drugs
Flagyl causes ethanol intolerance.
Concomitant use of Flagyl with disulfiram can cause neurological symptoms.
The drug enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants, increases the plasma concentration of lithium, cyclosporine, bisulfan.
Simultaneous administration of phenobarbital and phenytoin can accelerate the elimination of Flagyl.
The combination of Flagyl with non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, in particular vecuronium bromide, is not recommended.
Side effects
The following side effects may occur:
- From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, constipation, metallic taste in the mouth, decreased appetite, pain in the pancreas
- From the side of the central nervous system: dizziness, sleep disturbance, irritability and nervousness, sometimes convulsions, hallucinations
- Allergy. In the form of various kinds of skin rashes, fever, nasal discharge
- From the excretory system: thrush, development of cystitis, dysuria, urine may become dark in color
- Local reactions: burning after urination, unpleasant sensation in the area of the head of the genital organ, itching in the vagina
- Neutropenia, leukopenia.
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Negative Impacts
When using any pharmacological form of Flagyl, a number of negative reactions may develop, including:
- Increased excitability.
- Weakness.
- Depression.
- Insomnia.
- Irritability.
- Cramps.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Ataxia.
- Hives.
- Loss of coordination.
- Skin rash.
- Dizziness.
- Skin hyperemia.
- Headache.
- Nasal congestion.
- Diarrhea, constipation.
- Confusion.
- Fever.
- Epigastric pain.
- Arthralgia.
- Anorexia.
- Dysuria.
- Pancreatitis.
- Polyuria.
- Stomatitis.
- Discoloration of urine in a brownish-red color.
- Cystitis.
- Glossitis.
- Flattening of the T wave on the ECG.
- Loss of appetite.
- Candidiasis.
- Dry mouth.
- Neutropenia.
- Metallic taste.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Leukopenia.
In addition, the use of suppositories can provoke the following undesirable symptoms: vaginal candidiasis, vulvitis, burning in the vagina, increased urination, burning of the penis and a feeling of irritation in the sexual partner.
Analogs
"Trichopolus"
PolPharma, Poland Price from 70 to 100 rubles.
An antiprotozoal agent prescribed for the treatment of protozoan microorganisms.
pros
- Has a fairly low cost compared to other similar drugs
Minuses
- The medicine does not have a bactericidal effect on most bacteria
- Has a large number of side effects
- Disturbs the intestinal microflora.
"Rozamet"
Jadran Galenska Laboratory d.d., Croatia Price from 200 to 240 rubles.
Antiprotozoal and antibacterial drug, sensitive to protozoan microbes. Widely used in dermatology, in other areas of medicine it is prescribed much less frequently. Available in the form of an ointment, it is very convenient for topical use.
pros
- Prevents inflammation
- Does not smell and has a light texture
Minuses
- A long course of treatment is required for the effect to appear
- Not suitable for everyone.
"Efloran"
KRK, d. d., Nove Mesto, Slovenia Price from 180 to 220 rub.
The drug is successfully used in the treatment of trichomoniasis, amoebiasis, leishmaniasis, as well as other infectious diseases.
pros
- Available in two forms (tablets and solution for infusion) - you can choose the one that is more convenient for you
Minuses
- Has many side effects
- Bitter taste.
Prices for the drug and analogues in pharmacies
Due to different manufacturers, Flagyl can be purchased at different prices. Basically they range from 100 to 1200 rubles. The difference in price depends on the type of release, dosage, and manufacturer. So, the price of Flagyl in tablets is from 100 to 150 rubles. The price of Flagyl candles varies from 700 to 1200 rubles per package. Gels are much cheaper, which is explained by their quantity in a tube (usually 10&minus.20 grams).
Despite the affordable cost of Flagyl, we can distinguish the following analogues, which are an order of magnitude cheaper than the original, but contain the same active ingredient.
The most common are Vagisept suppositories (292 rubles), Vagiferon suppositories (480 rubles), Dentamet gel (from 100 to 130 rubles), Metronizadol tablets (from 8 to 25 rubles). Thus, cheaper drugs can be used for treatment, with the same medicinal composition and having the same effect. You just have to remember the side effects that you need to pay attention to.
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