What kind of infections are treated with Flagyl (metronidazole)?

From the Guidelines

Flagyl (metronidazole) is used to treat various infections, including bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of metronidazole for the treatment of trichomoniasis, with cure rates of approximately 90%-95%.

Key Infections Treated with Flagyl

• Bacterial vaginosis: Metronidazole 500 mg orally twice a day for 7 days is a recommended regimen 1
• Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole is the only oral medication available in the United States for the treatment of trichomoniasis, with cure rates of approximately 90%-95% 1
• Anaerobic bacterial infections: Metronidazole is effective against infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endocarditis, intra-abdominal infections, and antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile
• Parasitic infections: Metronidazole treats parasitic infections including giardiasis, amebiasis

Important Considerations

• Patients should avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 24 hours after completing treatment, as the combination can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and other disulfiram-like reactions 1
• Metronidazole works by entering bacterial cells and parasites, where it is converted to an active form that disrupts DNA and protein synthesis, ultimately killing the organisms
• The medication is particularly effective against organisms that thrive in low-oxygen environments because these organisms have the necessary enzymes to convert metronidazole to its active form

From the Research

Types of Infections Treated with Flagyl

Flagyl, also known as metronidazole, is used to treat various types of infections, including:

• Anaerobic bacterial infections, such as those caused by Bacteroides, Fusobacteria, and Clostridia 2, 3, 4, 5
• Protozoal infections, including:
  • Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis 2, 6, 3, 4, 5
  • Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia 2, 3, 4, 5
• Infections caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, a pleomorphic Gram-variable bacterial bacillus 3, 5
• Helicobacter pylori infections, often in combination with other medications 3, 5
• Clostridium difficile-induced pseudomembranous colitis 5
• Anaerobic-related infections, such as:
  • Brain abscesses 2, 5
  • Intraabdominal sepsis 2
  • Pelvic suppuration 2
  • Necrotizing soft tissue infections 2
• Other infections, including:
  • Rosacea 4
  • Oral and dental infections 4
  • Bone and joint infections 4
  • Gynecologic infections 4
  • Endocarditis 4
  • Septicemia 4
  • Respiratory tract infections 4

Specific Uses of Metronidazole

Metronidazole is also used to treat Crohn's disease and as prophylaxis before surgical procedures 4, 5. Additionally, it is used to treat vaginosis due to Gardnerella vaginalis 3.