Flagentyl Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Flagentyl Tablet contains secnidazole, an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent belonging to the nitroimidazole class. It is a prescription medicine used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic (protozoal) infections affecting areas such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and reproductive tract. Some infections can be treated with just a single day's treatment course. It should be used exactly as prescribed, with care taken around alcohol use, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

What is Flagentyl Tablet

Flagentyl is a prescription tablet that fights certain bacterial and parasitic (protozoal) infections in the body.

Flagentyl Tablet uses

• Amebiasis (intestinal amoebiasis)
• Trichomoniasis
• Giardiasis
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Intestinal worms
• Urinary tract infections
• Genital area infections
• Vagina infection
• Urethra infection
• Liver infection
• Parasitic infections and diseases

Benefits of Flagentyl Tablet

• Clears infections caused by certain bacteria and protozoa (parasites)
• Can treat some infections with a single day's treatment course

How Flagentyl Tablet works

It uses secnidazole, which belongs to the nitroimidazole class of anti-infective drugs. The medicine enters the harmful cells and damages their genetic material (DNA), stopping them from multiplying or growing. This disruption kills the bacteria and parasites, clearing the infection from areas like the stomach, intestines, liver, or reproductive tract.

Flagentyl Tablet dosage

Take the tablet before a meal. It is safe to take this medicine with food. This medicine is usually taken once a day for one day, as prescribed by the doctor. Take exactly as your doctor advises, since the right way to use it depends on your age and condition. It is not recommended for use in children unless a doctor prescribes it.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Flagentyl Tablet

Common

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach discomfort and pain
• Altered sense of taste (metallic taste in mouth)
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Unusual tiredness and weakness
• Headache
• Change in color or odor of vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal discharge

Serious

• Fast heartbeat, warmth, headache, and breathing difficulty (especially if combined with alcohol) should be reported to the doctor right away

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you have liver disease, kidney disease, sexually transmitted diseases, peripheral neuropathy, alcoholism, or anemia, unless your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should not be taken together with disulfiram, isoniazid, metronidazole, or etanercept because of the risk of serious interactions.
• Combining this medicine with alcohol can be dangerous.
• This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary, and should be avoided in the first trimester. It may cause moderate side effects, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking it.
• This medicine is not recommended while breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and stop use and consult your doctor if you notice any harmful effects.
• Very few cases of kidney side effects have been reported with this medicine.
• This medicine rarely affects the liver, but people with liver disease should not take it unless their doctor advises it.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it increases the risk of serious side effects like fast heartbeat, warmth, headache, and breathing difficulty.
• Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, especially if you have also had alcohol, since it can make you feel sleepy or reduce alertness.

Storage

Keep below 25°C (77°F). Protect from humidity and direct sunlight (do not store in a damp bathroom cabinet). Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

When to see a doctor

• Tell your doctor right away if you notice a fast heartbeat, warmth, headache, or difficulty breathing, especially if you have also had alcohol.
• If side effects during pregnancy feel harmful, stop the medicine right away and do not take it again without asking your doctor.
• If you notice harmful effects while breastfeeding, stop using the medicine until you talk to your doctor.

Alternatives

• Rifaximin
• Nitazoxanide
• Ornidazole
• Metronidazole