Metrogyl 400 (Metronidazole)

Metrogyl general information

What is Metrogyl used for?

Metrogyl tablets 400mg (also known as Flagyl and Trichozole) are used to treat a wide range on bacterial and parasitic infections in different parts of the body, caused by bacteria and protozoal (single cell) pathogenic micro-organisms; also to prevent postoperative infections.  The bacterial infections that Metrogyl 400 is used for include: septicaemia/bacteraemia (blood poisoning due to bacteria in the bloodstream), peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum due to infection), brain abscess (infection that reaches the brain causing swelling), necrotising pneumonia (a serious form of pneumonia), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), puerperal sepsis (bacterial infection of the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage), pelvic abscess (pus in the abdomen caused by surgery, gynaecological infection or appendicitis), pelvic cellulitis (inflammation due to infection of the pelvic floor), teeth and gum infections, infected leg ulcers and pressure sores, bacterial vaginosis (also known as non-specific vaginitis, anaerobic vaginosis or Gardnerella vaginitis).  Protozoal infections that Metrogyl tablets 400mg are used for include: amoebiasis (dysentery), giardiasis (infection of the small intestine by giardia causing diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain) and urogenital trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted parasitic infection causing diarrhoea, vomiting and fever).  Metrogyl tablets 400mg help prevent spread of infection and relieve symptoms of these varied infections.

How does Metrogyl work?

Metrogyl tablets 400mg (also known as Flagyl and Trichozole) contain metronidazole, which has antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity against a wide range of pathogenic micro-organisms.  These include species of bacteria belonging to the bacteroides, fusobacteria, clostridia, eubacteria, anaerobic cocci and gardnerella vaginalis; also the protozoa trichomonas, entamoeba histolytica, giardia lamblia and balantidium coli.  Metronidazole in Metrogyl 400 enters a susceptible bacterial or protozoan cell where it is converted by a specific enzyme inside the cell of the micro-organism to its active form that can then react with the bacterial or protozoan DNA to disrupt its structure, prevent DNA synthesis and thereby block microbial cell growth.  This prevents spread of infection and helps the infection to clear, relieving symptoms like pain and inflammation and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

What does Metrogyl contain?

Metrogyl tablets 400mg contain the active ingredient metronidazole, used to treat a variety of bacterial and protozoal infections.   

Treating infection with Metrogyl

Metrogyl tablets 400mg (also known as Flagyl and Trichozole) contain metronidazole, which has antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity against a wide range of pathogenic micro-organisms and is used to treat a range of infections caused by bacteria or parasitic protozoal (single cell) micro-organisms in different parts of the body.  These include bacterial infections causing: septicaemia, bacteraemia, peritonitis, brain abscess, necrotising pneumonia, osteomyelitis, puerperal sepsis, pelvic abscess, pelvic cellulitis, teeth and gum infections, infected leg ulcersand pressure sores; and protozoan infections causing: amoebiasis (dysentery), giardiasis, urogenital trichomoniasis.  Metrogyl tablets 400mg act specifically on the microbial DNA disrupting DNA synthesis and thereby blocking growth, preventing spread of infection and relieving symptoms like pain, inflammation, diarrhoea and vomiting. 

What are the side effects of Metrogyl?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Metrogyl tablets 400mg include: candidiasis (thrush), headache, metallic taste, loss of appetite or vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, abdominal cramping or constipation, drowsiness, dizziness or light-headedness, stuffy nose or dry mouth, fever, flushing.

When should Metrogyl not be used?

You should not use Metrogyl tablets 400mg if you:

• are allergic to metronidazole or any ingredients in Metrogyl
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have any disease of the nervous system
• are taking medicines that interact with Metrogyl, anticoagulants like warfarin, lithium for mood control, anticonvulsants phenytoin or phenobarbitone, cyclosporine for preventing graft rejection, 5-fluorouracil for cancer treatment, for treating chronic alcohol dependence.

What medications interact with Metrogyl?

Several medications interact with Metrogyl tablets 400mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Metrogyl or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:  

• Drugs that affect Metrogyl: anticonvulsants phenytoin or phenobarbitone
• Drugs that are affected by Metrogyl: anticoagulants like warfarin, lithium for mood control, 5-fluorouracil for cancer treatment, cyclosporine for preventing graft rejection

How should Metrogyl be taken?

You should take your Metrogyl tablets 400mg swallowed whole with a glass of water and with food, 2 or 3 times a day, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations.  You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Metrogyl, as you may experience some unpleasant effects, including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fast heartbeat, headache and flushing.  You should complete the course of Metrogyl tablets 400mg, which is usually for 7-10 days, even if you are feeling better or the infection may not clear up completely.   

How long should you take Metrogyl?

You should complete the course of Metrogyl tablets 400mg, which is usually for 7-10 days, even if you are feeling better or the infection may not clear up completely. 

Missed dose of Metrogyl

If you miss a dose of Metrogyl tablets 400mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Metrogyl be stored?

You should store your Metrogyl tablets 400mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.