Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Flagyl

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Flagyl Concerns [posted 11/19/98]
Question: My girlfriend went to the hospital with severe abdominal cramping and was given a prescription for Flagyl after being diagnosed with Gardnerella. The prescription was filled the next day (pills marked DAN on one side, 5540 on other) and after taking a dose she soon said she felt funny. I am a recovering alcoholic and drug abuser, andnoticed immediately she was high from these, as well as having dialated pupils. She also is taking KEFLEX for a recurring Bladder infection. Could these be a bad combination of pills? The drug store said there would be no problems. Was the 'script filled wrong or is this a common effect. I could find no information regarding this reaction.

Answer: No interaction that I'm aware of. Maybe high from something else.

Flagyl Costs [posted 11/19/98]
Question: I would like to know how much the drug flagyl usually costs?

Answer:  Generic about $18 brand name about 25-30$ depending on where you live. I assume three times a day for 10 days. Less would be proportional in general.

Flagyl and Pregnancy
Question: My doctor diagnosed a bacterial infection during my pelvic exam. I am seven weeks pregnant, and she told me to wait unitl the tenth week before I start treatment with Flagyl. I am concerned about taking any drugs while pregnant. How safe is this treatment?

Answer: Flagyl(metronidazole) is a synthetic antibiotic which is particularly active against anerobic organisms-that is, organisms who flourish without an oxygen environment. It is also used against certain parasites-guardia especially. It's structure is similar to a drug used in alcoholics which causes them to become ill after ingesting alcohol,consequently, it should not be used with alcohol. Metronidazole rapidly passes through the placenta. In rats, it has demonstrated no fetal toxicity. However, there are rare drugs that are tested on pregnant women and the ability to translate this data is always uncertain. Almost every drug manufactured has a warning to Minimize use in pregnancy. This must be weighed against the severity of your infection and the possibility that it will affect the fetus.

Flagyl & Biaxin
Question: Please forward me information about the drugs Flagyl, and Biaxin. Particularly of any side effects.

Answer: Flagyl is the brand name for metronidazole. This is a drug used to treat several different types of bacteria(usually anaerobe) and parasites(particularly giardia). The side effects of flagyl are occasional nausea, metallic taste, and the drug can cause severe interactions if taken with alcohol(vomiting, etc.). It should be avoided in patients with liver impairment. Long term use has occasionally led to peripheral neuropathy. It commonly produces darkened urine. Biaxin is the brand name for Clarithromycin an antibiotic belonging to the macroglide class. This drug is used to treat a variety of infections and is effective against bacteria, mycoplasma and chlamydia species. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, rash, and abnormal taste. It usually is fairly well tolerated as is Flagyl.


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