Flagyl (Metronidazole) is a specific type of antibiotic that is prescribed to treat a special category of infections of bacterial nature, and precisely those caused by anaerobic species of bacteria, but also to fight infections caused by protozoal organisms. Its biochemically active ingredient is called Metronidazole, which is a type of antibiotic used frequently over the years in hospitals and clinics to relieve infections caused by anaerobic bacterial species, and other medical disorders. Clostridium difficile infection is one example of an anaerobic infection that can be successfully eliminated by employing Flagyl since these species of bacteria are highly sensitive to Metronidazole. Other medical problems successfully relieved through the application of Flagyl treatment may include pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis.
There is a large list of numerous protozoa or anaerobic bacteria infections that can be treated with Flagyl because the pathogenic agents that cause them are sensitive to Metronidazole. It is vital to use Metronidazole only after a thorough medical checkup that is aimed at diagnosing an infection and the antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogens that cause it. Not all species of bacteria are sensitive to Metronidazole, so an efficient treatment requires an accurate diagnosis and bacterial tests. A physician may order lab tests that would evaluate antibiotic sensitivity and see whether the bacteria that generated the infection symptoms can be eliminated with Flagyl.
It is also important to make sure the infection is not of viral nature because Metronidazole or any other type of antibiotic would be useless in such cases since viruses are not sensitive to antibiotics at all. Metronidazole is taken in the form of pills internally when the infection is not localized, or it can be applied locally with cream in medical disorders affecting the skin, such as rosacea. Flagyl is the form that contains Metronidazole administered internally. Make sure that you don’t skip doses and you maintain a stable time interval between subsequent administrations as recommended by your physician.
Flagyl works by blocking the activity of some bacterial enzymes after it penetrates the bacteria. The effect consists in a strong inhibition of the bacterial metabolism, which weakens it and makes it more vulnerable to immune cells circulating in the bloodstream. Flagyl also interferes with the bacterial DNA and is able to inhibit considerable portions of the DNA molecule, which results in blocking bacterial growth and limiting the spreading of the bacterial infection to other areas of your body. Flagyl can cause some side effects like diarrhea or nausea, and some other kinds of discomfort in the abdominal region. However, more serious side effects or allergic reactions are possible in rare cases so make sure to contact your physician in case you notice anything suspicious after Flagyl intake.
