Pros
May reduce GI inflammation
Effective against a wide range of bacteria and certain parasites
Antibiotic resistance is uncommon, compared to other antibiotics
Flagyl (Metronidazole) prescription available online
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection, Flagyl can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Flagyl today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Available only with a healthcare professional's prescription
Fights bacterial infections effectively
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About Flagyl
Flagyl is considered an antibiotic, which functions by inhibiting bacterial growth. In addition to bacterial infections, oral metronidazole is also effective in the treatment of certain parasite infections. Like any antibiotic, this medication can only be used for bacterial infections. It is ineffective against viral infections because it will not have an impact on the growth or spreading of viruses in the human body.
Some conditions that Flagyl is known to treat include bacterial infections and, in certain cases, an infection caused by specific types of parasites. Flagyl is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including Metronidazole.
Flagyl may be prescribed as a capsule or injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Flagyl, be sure to complete the full course of the antibiotic unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the antibiotic may not fully treat your bacterial infection. If you fail to strictly adhere to the dosage instructions that your doctor provides, there is a risk of the infection coming back. There are also certain cases where the recurrence of the infection in these events results in a more severe illness.
Flagyl uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for Flagyl, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Bacterial infections
A bacterial infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in certain parts of the body. There are several types of antibiotics on the market. Flagyl in particular can be used to treat infections that are caused by different types of bacterial species. This includes anaerobic bacterial infections, including bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotic medication is also used to treat infections that affect the following parts of the body:
Liver
Stomach
Blood system
Heart
Lungs
Brain
Spinal cord
Skin
The dosage of oral metronidazole largely depends on the severity of the infection and the area affected. A 250 mg dose of the drug is common, but in more serious cases, the patient may be prescribed 500 mg doses. In addition to providing metronidazole metabolites in an oral form, there is also an injectable form of the medication. This may sometimes come as a single-dose treatment and can often be used for some of the more severe infections. If an injection is used to administer metronidazole, then healthcare professionals usually provide the injectable form in their office.
Trichomoniasis
Flagyl is sometimes used for both bacterial and parasitic infections. In cases of parasitic infections, the drug provides an effective treatment option for a condition known as Trichomoniasis. This is a type of parasitic infection that is sexually transmittable. If the patient has sexual intercourse with someone who is affected by the parasitic infection, they can also contract this infection.
In cases of trichomoniasis, both sexual partners will usually receive treatment at the same time. The patients treated with Flagyl may be advised to be careful about sexual intercourse during the treatment period. This can help to reduce a further spreading of the infection to other sexual partners.
What are the pros and cons?
Flagyl
Cons
Some users may experience rash, itching, or redness
Consuming with alcohol can cause unpleasant effects
In rare instances, may cause confusion or hallucinations
Flagyl side effects
The side effects associated with taking Flagyl are typically mild to moderate. Most Flagyl side effects are associated with the gastrointestinal tract and overall energy levels. Flagyl has some common side effects. They may include:
Headaches
Weakness
Diarrhea or constipation
Unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth
Itching and sometimes a rash
Sores in the mouth
Red and swollen tongue
Nausea and vomiting
Poor appetite
Abdominal cramps
Irritability
Sleeping problems
There have also been reports about individuals experiencing depression symptoms while they are treated with Flagyl tablets. This is usually a temporary side-effect and should subside quickly.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Allergic reaction: Some people may experience an allergic reaction when they use Flagyl tablets. This can become a serious reaction when Flagyl is used to treat either bacterial or parasitic infections. Symptoms may include itching, hives, a fever, a stuffy nose, and breathing difficulties. Swelling may also develop in the face, as well as the throat. This is a medical emergency and the patients treated should immediately contact their local emergency services.
Skin reaction: Apart from allergic reactions, there have also been cases of skin reactions. This may include the development of blisters on the skin. The patient may experience pain in the skin, burning eyes, and a sore throat. These symptoms are often accompanied by a fever as well.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
How to take Flagyl
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Flagyl prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Flagyl can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The dosage largely depends on the condition that you have. Both 250 mg and 500 mg doses are relatively common, but it depends on how severe the infection is. You will usually only use Flagyl for a short period of time in order to treat a bacterial or parasitic infection.
Healthcare professionals will also sometimes provide you with specific instructions while you use the medication. This includes details about potential drug interactions and what to do if you have a missed dose. You should also take the medication with food, as this can help to reduce the risk of stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects, as they may suggest dosage adjustment options to reduce those adverse effects.
What to avoid while taking Flagyl
Flagyl has around seven recorded drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to avoid products containing propylene glycol when you use Flagyl. There have been cases of severe interactions between Flagyl and products containing propylene glycol. Talk to your doctor about other drugs that you are taking too. When taking Flagyl, there are several interactions that you need to be wary of.
Some medications that can cause adverse effects and drug interactions with Flagyl include:
Antipsychotic medications, such as Lithium
Certain blood thinners, including Jantoven, Coumadin, and warfarin
Medication is used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease
Cancer medications, including busulfan
Asthmatic medication
Certain antidepressants
Medications that help in the treatment of other infections, such as HIV or malaria
Apart from products containing propylene glycol, you should also avoid alcohol while you use Flagyl. There have been reports of seizures and other serious interactions among people who failed to avoid alcohol when they were treated with Flagyl tablets.
Medication alternatives to Flagyl
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another antibiotic in a different drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Drug-resistant bacteria
There are certain types of infections that are caused by drug resistant bacteria. This sometimes happens with recurrent bacterial vaginosis and other anaerobic bacterial infections that recur regularly. After the patient is treated with antibiotics multiple times, the bacteria become resistant to the ingredients that these drugs use. In this case, healthcare professionals need to look at alternatives to Flagyl in order to treat the infection.
(Doxy 100, Doxy 200)
Allergic to Flagyl
It is possible for some individuals to have an allergic reaction to Flagyl. In this case, the doctor or pharmacist needs to be advised. If you tell your doctor about this allergy, they will turn to a different type of antibiotic to assist in the treatment. Certain lab tests can be ordered if the doctor wants to know the specific bacterium species causing the infection. This can also be a good choice if the individual uses propylene glycol products. Some alternative options include:
Flagyl prescription FAQs
How much does Flagyl cost?
There are several elements that affect the price of Flagyl. Much like other drugs, you need to consider factors like the dosage that you are prescribed, as well as the duration of the treatment. A 250 mg dose will come at a lower price than tablets that contain 500 mg of the medication, for example. You also have to consider the pharmacy you use to refill the prescription.
How can I refill my Flagyl prescription?
You will usually need to visit a local pharmacy if you want to refill your prescription of Flagyl. There are also certain online pharmacies that might be able to refill your prescription.
What can you not do while on Flagyl?
Do not drink alcohol when you are on Flagyl for the treatment of either a bacterial or parasitic infection. If you drink alcohol with this drug, then you may experience serious adverse reactions. You should also ensure you avoid other drugs that can cause interactions with Flagyl. Tell your doctor if you currently use any medications that may affect this drug. Consulting a doctor for medical advice can help to reduce the risk of serious interactions.
When should you not take Flagyl?
You should not take Flagyl if you have a yeast infection. This medication will not treat a yeast infection. In fact, due to the effect on the immune system, some patients may experience worsening of the yeast infection symptoms. It is also important to take Flagyl if you drink alcohol for a close period to your dose.
What happens if you take Flagyl on an empty stomach?
Your healthcare provider will generally advise you to take this medication with food. Unlike some other drugs, this medication can have an impact on your gastrointestinal tract. If you take it on an empty stomach, you may experience stomach pain and digestive discomfort.
How often should I take Flagyl?
You will usually be advised on the appropriate intervals to take Flagyl by your healthcare provider. Your next dose will usually be a few hours after the initial dose. Make sure not to take the doses too close to each other.
Who should not take Flagyl?
You should not take these drugs if you have experienced an allergic reaction to metronidazole in the past. It is also important not to take Flagyl for viral infections.
What happens if I miss a dose of Flagyl?
A missed dose can cause problems and reduce the efficacy of the medication. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as it is not too close to your next dose.
What happens if I take too much Flagyl?
Taking more of the drug that is necessary can lead to an increased risk of the more serious side effects associated with the antibiotic. Tell your doctor if you took too much of the medication. They can provide you with medical advice about side effects you could experience and what steps you should take.
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Flagyl prescription pricing details
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Flagyl prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
WebMD. "Metronidazole Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing." WebMD, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7644/flagyl-oral/details
Drugs.com. "Flagyl: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings." Drugs.com, Accessed October 10, 2023, www.drugs.com/flagyl.html.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.