Download Flagyl® (Metronidazole)

Flagyl® (Metronidazole)
The goals of medical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are to achieve
remission (absence of symptoms) and, to maintain remission (prevent flare-ups). To
achieve these goals, treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation in the intestine
and helping the lining of the intestine to heal.
What is Flagyl and how does it work?
Flagyl is an antibiotic that may help stop infection and inflammation in IBD. It works by
killing anaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that do not require oxygen to live. This
type of bacteria is found in the lumen of the GI tract. Antibiotics work on bacteria but
not on viruses.
Flagyl is used to treat IBD by changing the bacteria in the lumen of the intestine and
helping decrease inflammation in the lining of the intestine.
When should Flagyl be prescribed?
Antibiotics like Flagyl are used to treat infections that arise from Crohn’s disease. They
are most often used to treat patients with Crohn’s disease with inflammation of the large
intestine (colon), patients who have fistulas, or abscesses in their GI tract or perianal
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and after surgery for Crohn’s disease to prevent recurrence of disease. Antibiotics such
as Flagyl can also be used for severe ulcerative colitis.
How is Flagyl taken?
Flagyl can be taken by mouth (orally) as tablets or suspension or by the intravenous
route. The exact dose and frequency will be determined by your doctor. Make sure that
you complete the full course of antibiotics to get the full effect and to clear the bad
bacteria.
What are the possible side effects?
When taking Flagyl, you may experience:

Nausea

Vomiting

Appetite loss

Diarrhea

Dark or reddish brown urine

Dizziness

Headaches

Metallic taste in your mouth

Vaginal yeast infections
In the long-term, Metronidazole may cause numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.
If this happens, consult your doctor.
What precautions need to be taken while you are on Flagyl?

Drink lots of water while taking Flagyl.

Flagyl can be taken with meals.

If you miss a dose, you can take it later but do not take two doses at the same time
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
Do not drink alcohol or take any over the counter medications that contain alcohol
while taking Flagyl.

Taking antibiotics along with anticoagulants (blood thinners such as
warfarin/Coumadin) can make your blood too thin and increase the risk of bleeding.
Talk to your doctor before taking antibiotics so that your medications can be
adjusted to prevent such effects.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk with your doctor before taking Flagyl
How do I know if Flagyl is working?
Flagyl should start working within a few days of starting the medication. You may start
to feel better before you have taken all of the pills, but that doesn’t mean all the bacteria
are gone and that the inflammation of the intestine has settled.
Sources
http://www.ccfa.org/info/treatment/antibiotics
http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/antibiotics/a/flaglfaq.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/metronidazole/article.htm
http://www.sanofi-aventis.ca/products/en/flagyl.pdf
Questions
If you are a patient of the Gastroenterology Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital and have
any questions or concerns please contact us at 604-875-2332.
More Information
You may visit our website at www.MyGI.ca for more information and signup for our
email newsletter to stay up to date.
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Disclaimer
The following information, i.e. educational material/guideline, has been developed for
use only within the Gastroenterology Clinic at BC Children's Hospital (BC Children's GI
Clinic).There are support systems at BC Children's that may not exist in other clinical
settings, and therefore, any adoption of these materials cannot be the responsibility of
BC Children's GI Clinic. Agencies other than BC Children's GI Clinic should use this
information as a guideline for reference purposes only. Patients should not use this
information as a substitute for proper medical advice. Unless otherwise noted, all
materials are the property of BC Children's GI Clinic and may only be reprinted in whole
or in part with our expressed permission.
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