Drug Study: Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Generic name:
Metronidazole

Brand name:
Flagyl

Preparations:
PO 7.5 mg/kg q6hr (not to exceed 4g/day)

CLASSIFICATION: Anti-infectives,
Anti-protozoals

ACTION:
• Disrupts DNA and protein synthesis in susceptible organisms
• Bactericidal, or amebicidal action

INDICATION / USES:
•Amebicide in the management of amebic dysentery

COMMON ADVERSE EFFECTS:

•CNS: seizures, dizziness, headache
• GI: abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, furry tongue, glossitis, unpleasant taste, vomiting
• Hematologic: leukopenia
• Skin: rashes, urticaria

CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
• hypersensitivity

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Administer with food or milk to minimize GI irritation. Tablets may be crushed for patients with difficulty
swallowing.
• Instruct patient to take medication exactly as directed evenly spaced times between dose, even if feeling
better. Do not skip doses or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, take as soon as remembered if not
almost time for next dose.
•May cause dizziness or light-headedness. Caution patient or other activities requiring alertness until response
to medication is known.
• Inform patient that medication may cause an unpleasant metallic taste.
• Inform patient that medication may cause urine to turn dark.
• Advise patient to consult health care professional if no improvement in a few days or if signs and symptoms
of superinfection (black furry overgrowth on tongue; loose or foul-smelling stools develop).

SOURCE:

http://www.nursing-nurse.com/drug-study-metronidazole-flagyl-165/