metronidazole

It’s not clear whether or not taking metronidazole (Flagyl) can put you at risk for cancer. Studies show that rats who took this medication throughout their lifetime were at higher risk for tumors in the liver, lung, and different organs. If you're taking metronidazole (Flagyl), don't take this medication more often than what your primary care provider has directed.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) can sometimes cause rash and other severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). If you experience these reactions, your care team will need to stop metronidazole (Flagyl) right away and switch you to a different medication. If you've a rash, blisters on your lips, skin peeling, skin pain, mouth sores, or high fever, get medical help immediately.

Rarely, people who take metronidazole (Flagyl) can develop serious brain and nerve problems, such as seizures, encephalopathy (a health condition that leads to brain damage) or meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining). Get medical attention right away if you experience convulsions, problems with speech, coordination, clear thinking, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. These are symptoms of brain damage and your care team might ask you to stop taking metronidazole (Flagyl) to prevent further injury. Symptoms can develop within hours of treatment, but will also go away within days to weeks of stopping this medication.

People with liver or kidney problems who take metronidazole (Flagyl) might have a higher amount of the medication in the blood. This can lead to higher risk of side effects, such as nausea, headache, and seizures. Depending on how severe your liver or kidney problems are, your care team will help you determine the lowest possible dose of metronidazole (Flagyl) that is safe for you. If you experience symptoms of liver problems (feeling sleepy, upper right stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine) or kidney problems (urinating more or less than usual, feel nauseous or weak, have a fever, rash, joint pain), talk with your care team right away.

Taking metronidazole (Flagyl) can raise your risk of getting a fungal infection, including a vaginal yeast infection. It's important to let your care team know if your symptoms don't go away or get worse after starting treatment. Your primary care provider might prescribe an antifungal medication for you if symptoms develop. Please talk with your care team if you notice your vagina is red and itchy, you have thick white vaginal fluid, or if you've fever or chills.

Taking metronidazole (Flagyl) more often or differently than prescribed can put you at risk for infections that are harder to treat in the future. To make sure that this medication will work well to fight future infections, follow your care team's instructions on when and how long to take metronidazole (Flagyl).

Though extremely rare, some people developed lower white blood cell count while taking metronidazole (Flagyl). This can put you at higher risk for infections. Your primary care provider will typically require lab work before and while you're taking this medication to make sure it's safe for you. Let your care team know if you've symptoms of low white blood cells, such as fever, chills, weakness, fast heart beat, sores in the mouth and throat.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) can interfere with how your body gets rid of other medications. For example, taking certain medications like disulfiram with metronidazole (Flagyl) can cause delusions and hallucinations. These medications should be avoided together.