Flagyl refers to of 5-nitroimidazole (5-NIMZ) group of preparations. This antimicrobial drug of broad scope of action is designed for systemic treatment of
infections provoked by anaerobic bacteria, as well as a range of infectious diseases caused by protozoa.
Furthermore, Flagyl’s effectiveness confirmed in treating the infections caused by facultative anaerobes (microaerophiles).
Flagyl is a synthetic, low molecular weight medication; according to its properties and pharmacological action it is fundamentally different from imidazole
derivatives with antifungal activity.
Indications for use
Flagyl is one of the most widely used drugs in medical practice representing 5-NIMZ group. It is equally widely used in surgical practice for anaerobic
infections and protozoal infections (such as trichomoniasis) elimination; it is also used in combinative therapy of gastric and duodenal ulcer. For
metronidazole the largest number of dosage forms was developed: for intravenous, oral, rectal intravaginal and topical use.
Antimicrobial activity and the mechanism of antimicrobial action Flagyl, similarly to other 5-nitroimidazoles, is efficient against most gram-positive and
Gram-negative anaerobic, spore asporogenous bacteria and anaerobic cocci.
Most importantly, the considerable activity is observed against Bacteroides, primarily against Bacteroides fragilis, and various representatives of
Clostridium spp.
By the action of anaerobic bacteria the medication is comparable to clindamycin protected b-lactams (amoxicillin, piperacillin and etc.), and slightly
inferior to carbapenems (meropenem carbapenem ertapenem and some brand-new fluoroquinolones with a pronounced anti-anaerobic activity.
The difference in activity depends on the properties of the strains. In addition, the drug is active against Gardnerella vaginalis; it also demonstrates
decent results in Gardnerella vaginalis treatment.
The properties of the medication have a particularly noteworthy effect in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, but primarily the effectiveness of
metronidazole in this pathology is associated with a direct effect on the obligate anaerobic flora, which leads to the normalization of the ecosystem.
Dosage and administration
In amebiasis treatment the preparation is administered to be taken periorally, the treatment period is equal to 7 days and a daily dosage of 1500 mg in
adults and 30-40 mg in children per 30 kg of weight. In giardiasis the treatment course typically lasts for 5 days: the adults are appoint 750 1 gram of
Flagyl on a daily basis. Dosages for children are as follows:
2-5 years 250 mg/day,
5-10 years 375 mg/day
10-15 years 500 mg/day.
For trichomoniasis treatment in women (urethritis and vaginitis diseases in particular) a single dose of 2 grams or as a 10 days course of treatment with
250 mg of preparation on a daily basis is prescribed.
To treat trichomoniasis in men (urethritis) a single dose of 2 grams is typically administered as well. The patients may be prescribed a course of
treatment that lasts for 10 days and implies a 250 mg. daily. In nonspecific vaginitis a 500x2 daily dose is administered during 7 days.
In anaerobic infections treatment in adults 1-1.5 gram dosage is administered. Children are prescribed 250 mg of preparation for 20-30 kg of weight.
Intravenous infusion is shown only in particular cases or severe forms of disease. 100 ml, or 500 mg of Flagyl, is administered within 30-60 minutes.