Metronidazole Over The Counter
The antibiotic Metronidazole is available in the market under the generic name Flagyl. It is marketed in the United States by Pfizer and Sanofi Aventis markets it worldwide. Metronidazole or flagyl is one of the drugs that are available with and without a prescription over the counter.
Metronidazole is available as an over the counter drug to treat conditions like amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, acne rosacea and oral and dental infections. However when it is needed to administer parenterally as in the case of amebic liver abscess, pelvic abscess, brain and lung abscess, you have to get admitted in a hospital and it should be administered parenterally under medical supervision.
You have to seek medical advice before buying and using metronidazole if you are using other drugs. Because it causes drug interactions when used along with cimetidine, phenytoin, disulfiram, lithium and warfarin, it is better to avoid flagyl in such conditions. It should not be taken along with alcohol as it may cause disulfiram like reaction which comprises of symptoms like palpitation, nausea, vomiting and headache.
The side effects of Metronidazole are nausea, stomach pain, vaginal itching and or discharge, dry mouth, metallic taste in the mouth and less often allergic reactions and diarrhea. Other serious side effects include seizures, fever, chills, numbness and tingling sensation in the peripheries, pain and burning sensation while urination and bloody diarrhea where you should seek medical advice as early as possible.
You can buy metronidazole over the counter without prescription as normal and extended release tablets, as metronidazole cream and metronidazole gel. It can be bought online too. Metronidazole for dogs is also available online.