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.
[posted 08/18/2000]
Question: Does taking Flagyl discolor the liquid stool ? I read in the literature that came with it, that it may discolor the urine. My urine is fine, its my liquid stoold that are pinkish. I hope I don’t have lower GI bleeding. There is no smell.
Answer: Can discolor the stool and often changes the urine to a brownish color. I would get your stool checked with the pinkish, usually whitish if anything and not common in the stool.
[posted 04/16/2000]
Question: I am a 25 yr old female recently diagnosed with BV.I had no symptoms- found at annual exam. I had it once before about 4-5 yrs ago. It was easily cleared up then with Flagyl. I am being treated now with Metrogel twice a day. Since starting this treatment I have been having a LARGE amount of discharge- to be expected but it is very thick and yellowish. i was wondering if it’s possible I have an STD- Chlymidia or something that is being aggrivated by the metrogel. I know discharge is a side effect but It’s so thick almost a plug. Before my pap I was having some lower abdominal pain- could this be from BV or is it likely I have a different infection. I told this to my Dr but she really didn’t know. I am holding off on an STD screen until I can afford it, or until I continue to have problems
Answer: Not a usual problem. I’d take the Flagyl until it is gone and see if the problems persist. There should be no change with the Flagyl with any condition that I can anticipate.
[posted 08/25/1999]
Question: After a trip to Tibet, me and my husband were diagnosed with
Gardnerella and prescribed Flagyl (2 x 400mg x 7 days). At
the same time I am trying to get pregnant and am taking
Clomiphene. My next ovulation is expected to occur about
ten days after the last day of taking Flagyl. As I know
that Flagyl should not be taken by pregnant women, especially
early in pregnancy, I would like to know how many days it
will take for the last trace of Flagyl to leave my body,
and thus if it would be safe to try to become pregnant only
ten days after ending Flagyl treatment.
I would be enormously grateful for your advice.
Regards,
Answer: One month would be more than enough.
[posted 08/17/1999]
Question: I am taking vicoprofen prescribed by my surgeon for post surgical pain. Now my primary care physician has prescribed Flagyl for a pelvic inflammation. Is there any danger in taking the two drugs at the same time? I take two to three vicoprofens a day and use Tylenol extra strength the rest of the time.
Answer: No.
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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