Flagyl, the brand name for the drug metronidazole, is an antiobiotic used to treat some bacterial infections. The most notable side effect of Flagyl is its incompatibility with alcohol. If your doctor prescribes Flagyl, she may instruct you to avoid drinking when taking this drug. Flagyl can also interact with other drugs but doesn't interact with food. So you can eat pizza while taking Flagyl, but stay away from beer.
Uses of Flagyl
Doctors most commonly prescribe Flagyl to treat intestinal infections, vaginal infections and some infections of the skin. Flagyl is sold in tablet form, and you may be instructed to take it two to three times a day for five to 10 days. You may be asked to take the drug longer, sometimes in combination with another antibiotic, to treat H. pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
Alcohol and Flagyl
If you drink alcohol while you're taking flagyl, you could experience nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating and flushing and stomach cramps. These effects can be severe at times. Flagyl is chemically similar to antabuse, a drug sometimes used to deter drinking in alcoholics. When you pick up your prescription for Flagyl from the pharmacy, the bottle will probably be labeled with a sticker reminding you not to drink while taking this drug. Wait three days after you've discontinued taking the drug before you drink any alcohol.
Other Side Effects
Some people become more sensitive to sunlight when taking Flagyl. This could make you burn easier. When you're taking this medication, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Flagyl can also leave a metallic taste in your mouth. This might make your pizza taste funny, but there's no danger in eating pizza while you're taking Flagyl.
Contraindications
You shouldn't take Flagyl if you've had an allergic reaction to metonidazole in the past. If you're pregnant or nursing or if you might become pregnant during treatment, do not take this medication. Alert your doctor if you have a liver disorder, anemia, a seizure disorder or Crohn's disease. Flagyl can interact negatively with some drugs used to treat these disorders.
