Flagyl 500mg

Forms and dosages

Flagyl is supplied as film-coated tablets, with other presentations (oral suspension, intravenous infusion, vaginal gel and topical cream) available under the same brand in some countries. Typical adult regimens for anaerobic infections are 400mg or 500mg every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 10 days. For trichomoniasis the prescribing information allows either a single 2g dose or 400–500mg twice daily for 7 days; bacterial vaginosis uses 400–500mg twice daily for 7 days. Tablets are taken with or after food to limit nausea. Treatment beyond 10 days should be reviewed by a doctor because of the neuropathy risk.

Indications

Flagyl is indicated for Trichomonas vaginalis infection in both partners, bacterial vaginosis, giardiasis, intestinal and hepatic amoebiasis, and anaerobic infections of the abdomen, pelvis, bone, brain and soft tissue. It is used in multi-drug regimens to eradicate Helicobacter pylori and as an option for Clostridioides difficile infection, although current guidelines prefer vancomycin or fidaxomicin for most C. difficile cases. Surgical prophylaxis in colorectal procedures and the treatment of dental and gum infections are further labelled uses. According to the prescribing information, the drug should only be used for confirmed or strongly suspected anaerobic or protozoal disease.