Flagyl's generic name is Metronidazole, and it is used as the first step in treating a bacterial or viral infection.
Flagyl: A Drug Against Anaerobic Bacteria: Anaerobic bacteria are generally single celled bacteria, which prefer to grow in a low oxygen environment and can cause infections in the abdomen, liver or pelvis. Intestinal parasites such as amoebas can also cause pain in the abdomen, or diarrhea. Trichomas is another parasite which can cause vaginal inflammation. Flagyl is considered to be an effective method to eliminate all these bacteria and parasites, and can also be used in preparing gel to treat dermatological problems such as rosacea.
Using Flagyl For The Treatment Of Animals: Although Flagyl is not labeled for animal medical use, yet it is used as treatment for infections such as giardia in dogs, cats and other animals. Also, Flagyl is used in aquariums to protect ornamental fish from bacterial and protozoan infections. Common diseases in which Flagyl is applied as treatment include nausea, diarrhea, and metallic taste in mouth, all of which require low doses and short-term treatment Long term and high dose illnesses associated with Flagyl include leucopenia, neutropenia, CNS toxity, and peripheral neuropathy.
Carcinogenic Properties: The correlation between Flagyl exposure and cancer in humans is still questioned. Some researches have shown that this drug increases cancer risk in humans while most other studiesshow that the benefits of Flagyl in the treatment of cancer,outweigh the disadvantages caused by the drug. Nonetheless, the WHO has labeled Flagyl as a carcinogen, and it has been banned in EU and USA for veterinary purposes for this reason. Due to its carcinogenic effects, Flagyl is recommended to be taken only in the case of bacterial infection or of symptoms such as convulsions, fever, body aches, sore throat, flu symptoms, or pain or burning during urination. Do not attempt to take Flagyl by yourself without consulting a doctor or physician. Let your doctor know about any allergic reactions you may have. In short, talk to your physician before taking Flagyl, take it if he/she recommends, but with proper care and according to the prescribed dosage. The liver is primarily responsible for the filtering processes in body, including the filtration of antibiotics, so if you are suffering from liver infection, ask your doctor not to prescribe Flagyl. As all other medicines, Flagyl also has some side effects, including dysarthia, dryness in the mouth, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Common experience among patients tells us that after-effects of Flagyl include loss of motor control .
Use Of Flagyl Along With Alcohol: Using Flagyl along with alcohol is always considered dangerous as it can cause vomiting and flushing. You should also avoid alcoholic products if you are taking a course of Flagyl, even if you have temporarily ceased the treatment, because taking alcohol during an ongoing course of Flagyl can make you nauseous, give you stomach cramps , or cause headaches.
Flagyl Storage: In order to preserve this drug for an extensive period of time, it should be stored at room temperature in a dark, cool, dry place.