A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Flagyl (Metronidazole)
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C6H9N3O3 |
| License | FDA approved |
| Bioavailability | Approximately 80-90% (oral) |
| Legal status | Prescription only |
| Chemical Name | 2-(2-Methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanol |
| Elimination half-life | Approximately 8 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 250 mg, 500 mg tablets; 375 mg capsules; also available in topical and intravenous forms |
| Pregnancy | Category B; consult a healthcare provider |
| Brands | Flagyl, MetroGel (topical), Noritate (topical) |
| Protein binding | Less than 20% |
| PubChem CID | 4173 |
| MedlinePlus | a689011 |
| ChEBI | 6909 |
| ATC code | J01XD01 |
| DrugBank | DB00916 |
| KEGG | D00409 |
| Routes of administration | Oral, Intravenous, Topical, Vaginal |
This medication needs to be taken orally with a glass of water. The dosage may depend on the person’s medical condition and hence, should be as directed by the doctor. To avoid stomach upsets, it is recommended to take the medicine with a meal or a glass of milk. Take medicine regularly, at evenly spaced times for the best results.
Flagyl 400mg tablets contain 250 mg or 500 mg of metronidazole. Inactive ingredients in this drug are:
All medications need to be taken by a doctor’s consultation. Do not alter dosages as it may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
The possible side effects of this drug are as follows. These are minor effects and will leave once the treatment is completed.
Prescription Required