Medicine

This article gives an overview on the common and serious side effects of Flagyl (metronidazole). Important information that everyone should know in using Flagyl are also provided.

Flagyl (Metronidazole) Information

Flagyl is an antibiotic drug used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Bacterial infections that uses Flagyl for treatment include bacterial vaginosis,  pelvic inflammatory disease, peritonitis, empyema, pneumonia, diabetic foot ulcer, meningitis, lung and brain abscesses, septicemia, endometritis, endocarditis, pseudomembranous colitis, peptic ulcer disease and among others. The most common protozoal infection where Flagyl is used for treatment is amebiasis.

The generic name for Flagyl is metronidazole, which belong to a group of drug called nitroimidazole. Once absorbed by bacterial and protozoan cells, metronidazole initiates the production of toxic compounds that would eventually kill the microorganisms. Flagyl is marketed by Pfizer in the US, globally by Sanofi-Aventis, and various generic manufacturers. It is available in capsules and extended-release tablets.

Common and Severe Side Effects of Flagyl

As with any medication, Flagyl may cause side effects. However, there are some who can tolerate the side effects quite well.  If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your doctor.

Below is the list of common Flagyl side effects. Note that the list is not complete and you may experience other side effects. Check with your doctor if the side effects persist or become bothersome to you.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Runny nose

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The serious side effects of Flagyl are listed below. You should seek medical attention right away if you experience them. Note that the following list of severe Flagyl side effects is not complete; you may experience other side effects that should be reported immediately to your doctor.

• Severe allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, itching, shortness of breath, and swelling of the lips, mouth, face, or tongue.
• Severe diarrhea (watery and bloody)
• Severe or persistent headache
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Fever
• Speech problems
• Stiff neck
• Severe stomach pain or cramps
• Vaginal itching, discharge, or unusual odor
• Loss of vision or other vision changes
• Loss of balance
• Increased or decreased urination
• Burning pain when urinating
• Seizures or convulsions
• White patches in the mouth or lips
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Precautions in Using Flagyl

• Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl. Flagyl and alcohol mixing is known to have bad reactions to the body such as fast heartbeats (trachycardia), flushing in the skin, nausea, vomiting, and tingly feeling.
• Do not take Flagyl if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Before taking Flagyl, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, nerve disorders, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, blood cell diseases like anemia, and stomach or intestinal disease like Crohn’s disease.
• Do not take Flagyl if you are breastfeeding because it was shown that the drug can pass onto the breast milk and may harm your baby.
• If you missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra dose to make up the missed one.
• Read and follow the directions as written on your prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, if there is anything you can’t understand in the label. Do not take Flagyl at a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period other than your doctor tells you to.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek advice from your doctor before taking any action suggested on this article.[ad#afterpost]

Get the important information that you should know in using metroprolol. Familiarize yourselves with the metroprolol side effects and precautions.

Metroprolol Overview

Metroprolol is the drug used chiefly to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. It is also prescribed to prevent heart attack and to treat chest pain (angina pectoris), tremors, migraine, congestive heart failure, bleeding in the esophagus, and hyperthyroidism (as adjunct treatment). It is sold under the brand names Toprol-XL and Lopressor in the United States.  In other countries, metroprolol is marketed in different brand names such as Neobloc, Corvitol, Minax, Metrol, Betaloc, Presolol, Selokeen, and others. Generic metroprolol are also available in drug stores.

Metroprolol belongs to the family of beta-adrenergic blockers which block the beta-1 receptors of adrenaline, the hormone that increases blood pressure and heart rate. Blocking the receptors of adrenaline will cause the blood vessels to relax which will result to decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.
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Precautions in Using Metroprolol

There are certain precautions that you should know before and after taking metroprolol. Knowing these precautions will protect you against the possible harm that the drug may cause.

• Do not take metroprolol if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Ask for the ingredients of metroprolol drugs to the pharmacist. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies.
• Do not take metroprolol if you have slow heart rate, heart failure, kidney diseases, and other diseases that can cause low blood pressure. Make sure to mention these diseases to your doctor along with other diseases that you have or have ever had. Don’t forget to tell your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, lung disease, or hyperthyroidism.
• Do not drink alcohol because it adds to the drowsiness caused by taking metroprolol. If you are drowsy after taking the drug, do not drive, use a machine, or do any work that requires alertness in order to avoid accidents.
• Do not stop taking metroprolol without first getting your doctor’s advice. If you suddenly stop taking metroprolol, you may experience chest pain or heart attack. Even you feel okay, do not stop taking the drug because sometimes the symptoms of high blood pressure are not noticeable.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any prescription & non prescription medications, vitamins, herbal medicines, and nutritional supplements. There are medications that could possibly interact with metroprolol and will cause harm to you.
• If you are having any surgery, even a dental one, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking metroprolol.
• If you missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if the missed dose is four hours away, skip it, and take the drug at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra dose to make up the missed one.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast-feeding. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while taking metroprolol.
• Read and follow the directions written on your prescription label. If there is anything you can’t understand in the label, ask your doctor or a qualified pharmacist.

Metroprolol Side Effects

The less serious side effects of metroprolol include decreased sex drive, impotence, dizziness, nausea, runny nose, tiredness, dry mouth, stomach ache, bloating, constipation, itching, cold feeling in the hands and feet, and heartburn. Tell your doctor if these symptoms become severe or do not go away.

The serious side effects of metroprolol include shortness of breath, wheezing, fainting, unusual weight gain, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these metroprolol side effects.

Take note that metroprolol may cause other side effects other than those listed here. If you have any unusual problems while taking metroprolol, tell them to your doctor.[ad#afterpost]

Reference

Medline Plus, National Institute of Health

Disclaimer

The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek advice from your doctor before taking any action suggested on this article.

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant drug that has weight loss effect. This drug should be used properly to avoid the side effects associated to it. Familiar yourself with the phentermine side effects and the precautions in using the drug by reading this article.

Phentermine Overview

Phentermine is an FDA-approved appetite suppressant drug prescribed to obese patients who are at increased medical risk because of their weight. It should be used in short term (up to 12 weeks) and combined with diet, exercise, and behavioral modification. It comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. The drug is sold under different brand names such as Adipex-P, Ionamin, Obenix, Oby-Cap, Teramine, Zantryl, and among others.
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How Does Phentermine Work?

Phentermine works by triggering the hypothalamus to release norepinephrin (a neurotransmitter) that signals a fight-or-flight response, reducing hunger. Besides from working at the hypothalasmus, phentermine also works outside the brain to trigger the release of epinephrine or adrenaline. This hormone causes fat cells to break down stored fat.

Precautions in Using Phentermine

There are certain precautions that you should know before and after taking phentermine. Knowing these precautions will protect you against the possible harm that the drug may cause.

• Do not take phentermine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Ask for the ingredients of phentermine drugs to a pharmacist. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any prescription & non prescription medications, vitamins, herbal medicines, and nutritional supplements. There are medications that could possibly interact with phentermine and will cause harm to you. Examples are high blood pressure medications, insulin or diabetes medications, antidepressants, and among others.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hypertension, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, diabetes, or a history of drug abuse.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast-feeding. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while taking phentermine.
• Do not drink alcohol because it adds to the drowsiness caused by taking phentermine. If you are drowsy after taking the drug, do not drive, use a machine, or do any work that requires alertness in order to avoid accidents.
• Phentermine works best if it is accompanied by exercise and diet.
• If you missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra dose to make up the missed one.
• Read and follow the directions as written on your prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, if there is anything you can’t understand in the label. Do not take phentermine at a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Phentermine Side Effects

As with any drug, phentermine may cause side effects. However, there are some who can tolerate the side effects quite well.  In most cases, phentermine side effects occur when the drug is taken beyond what is prescribed.

The less serious phentermine side effects include dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. Tell your doctor if these symptoms become severe or do not go away.

The serious side effects of phentermine include dizziness, tremors, shortness of breath, chest pain,  heart palpitations, blood pressure increase, restlessness,  swelling of the legs and ankles, and difficulty of doing exercise that you have been able to do. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these phentermine side effects.

Take note that phentermine may cause other side effects other than those listed here. If you have any unusual problems while taking phentermine, tell them to your doctor.

Reference

Medline Plus, National Institute of Health

Disclaimer

The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek advice from your doctor before taking any action suggested on this article.