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Flagenase 400

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Flagenase 400

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Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Flagenase 400

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Metronidazole, Diiodohydroxyquinoline, Metronidazole Benzoate
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class Nitroimidazole Antimicrobial and Luminal Amebicide
Origin Synthetic
Type Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC)

Flagenase 400 is an established, synthetic pharmaceutical preparation defined by its fixed-dose combination (FDC) of two distinct active agents. The product is clinically recognized for providing a dual therapeutic approach, combining systemic and localized action against susceptible protozoal and anaerobic bacterial pathogens. It is typically supplied as an oral tablet, designed for internal administration.

The Active Ingredients and Composition of Flagenase 400

The core composition includes the well-established components Metronidazole (or its prodrug, Metronidazole Benzoate) and Diiodohydroxyquinoline. This formulation merges two types of anti-infective action. Metronidazole, a synthetic nitroimidazole, is known for its ability to penetrate and act on pathogens systemically, disrupting their nucleic acid synthesis. Diiodohydroxyquinoline, a Halogenated Quinolone derivative, acts primarily within the gastrointestinal tract, where it demonstrates amebicidal activity directly at the site of infection. This strategic blend is designed for utility in targeting both tissue-level and intestinal parasitic forms.

What is the General Purpose of Combining these Two Agents?

The general purpose of this specific FDC is to ensure comprehensive eradication of targeted microscopic organisms by simultaneously attacking them at different locations within the body. This dual-agent approach is typically used when there is concern for parasitic infection in both the intestinal lumen and extra-intestinal sites. While Metronidazole acts systemically to clear organisms from tissues and the bloodstream, Diiodohydroxyquinoline focuses on clearing residual parasitic forms from the gut lumen. The therapeutic rationale is that combination therapy may be more effective than Metronidazole alone for eradicating amoebae. This specialized dual action provides a foundational approach to managing infections where both tissue and intestinal involvement are a clinical concern.

Regulatory References

  1. Iodoquinol (Diiodohydroxyquinoline) Monograph (FDA/UNII)
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What side effects are possible with Flagenase 400?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Flagenase 400, a fixed-dose combination, is based on the known adverse effects and safety characteristics of its active components, Metronidazole and Diiodohydroxyquinoline, as documented in official government regulatory sources.

Adverse Reaction Classification

Adverse reactions are primarily classified into Gastrointestinal and Nervous System disorders. The most common reported effects often involve the digestive tract and sensory systems, including a sharp, unpleasant metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Headaches and dizziness are also frequently listed.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Official labels detail serious, though less frequent, adverse reactions. These primarily affect the nervous system and eyes, and include convulsive seizures, encephalopathy, aseptic meningitis, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness). For the Diiodohydroxyquinoline component, optic neuritis and optic atrophy (vision loss) are documented serious effects, particularly associated with high-dose, long-term use. Rare, severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), are also documented.

Safety Considerations and Restrictions

The regulatory safety information highlights specific constraints. The risk of peripheral neuropathy is associated with prolonged administration of Metronidazole. Furthermore, the use of Metronidazole is contraindicated in patients with Cockayne Syndrome due to the risk of acute liver failure. The label requires a restriction on alcohol consumption during therapy and for several days afterward to avoid a disulfiram-like reaction, and caution is advised for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The information in this section is derived from official regulatory documentation and describes the documented effects of overdose and the required emergency response.


Documented Overdose Manifestations

Clinical signs reported following massive overdose of Flagenase 400 (Metronidazole) may include vomiting, ataxia (lack of voluntary muscle coordination), and slight disorientation. In cases of massive or prolonged overdose, the potential for peripheral neuropathy (sensory symptoms like numbness or tingling) and convulsions has also been noted in regulatory reports.


Immediate Emergency Action

There is no specific antidote known for Flagenase 400 overdose. In the event of a suspected massive overdose, immediate symptomatic and supportive treatment must be instituted without delay. This means urgent medical attention is required to manage the potential neurological effects and other symptoms.

Management procedures, which are determined by healthcare professionals, may include haemodialysis, as this technique can assist in removing metronidazole and its metabolites from the body.


Population-Specific Overdose Considerations

Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) may have an increased risk of accumulation, which can contribute to the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Furthermore, the drug is associated with a high risk of acute liver failure with fatal outcomes in patients with Cockayne syndrome, underscoring a critical population-specific vulnerability to drug toxicity.

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Therapeutic Uses of Flagenase 400

What Flagenase 400 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Flagenase 400 is generally considered relevant for conditions requiring supportive management of infections caused by certain protozoal parasites, particularly amoebiasis. The medication is applied across domains involving acute protozoal infections. The combination treatment is commonly used to help manage symptoms associated with periods of heightened symptoms.

This medication is commonly used to help manage conditions associated with protozoal infection, including amoebic dysentery, Giardiasis, and systemic tissue invasions like amebic liver abscess. It is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns. It is commonly used to address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, especially when associated with invasive infection.

Quick Fact: Support for Gastrointestinal Discomfort The treatment supports easing the burden of symptoms that interfere with daily comfort during episodes of active parasitic infection.

The formulation is relevant for managing conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily. This supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress and is relevant for managing conditions involving recurrent or episodic manifestations.

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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for Flagenase 400 (Metronidazole) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, focusing on absolute prohibitions and necessary usage restrictions.

Contraindications and Prohibitions

Classification Who Must Not Use the Medicine
Absolute Individuals with known hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole drugs. Patients with Cockayne syndrome due to the risk of severe hepatotoxicity.
Conditional Patients who have taken disulfiram within the last two weeks. Patients consuming alcohol or products containing propylene glycol during and for at least three days after therapy.

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

Population/Condition Regulatory Requirement (Caution/Monitoring)
Severe Organ Impairment Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) requires dose reduction; End-stage renal disease requires careful monitoring for metabolite accumulation.
Age Groups Newborns (especially preterm) require monitoring due to reduced clearance. Older adults require caution due to potential for increased active metabolite exposure and age-related organ decline.
Vulnerable States Use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy for certain indications. Use during lactation requires caution, with some guidance suggesting discarding milk for a period after high-dose single therapy.

Use also requires caution in patients with a history of CNS disorders (e.g., seizures) or blood dyscrasias.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Flagenase 400 is structured around formal regulatory restrictions and documented changes in drug exposure. Co-administration with Disulfiram is formally prohibited due to the risk of psychotic reactions, and a separation period of two weeks is required. Consumption of Alcohol or products containing Propylene Glycol is strictly contraindicated during therapy and for at least three days (72 hours) after the last dose, owing to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Effects

Certain agents formally modify metronidazole clearance. CYP-inducing agents like Phenobarbital and Phenytoin accelerate metabolism, resulting in a reduced metronidazole half-life. Conversely, metronidazole reduces the clearance of 5-fluorouracil and has been reported to elevate serum levels of Ciclosporin and Lithium. Co-administration with oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) potentiates the anticoagulant effect, leading to a documented prolongation of prothrombin time.

Specific Regulatory Cautions

Official regulatory documents note that in patients with severe hepatic impairment, metronidazole clearance is substantially impaired, leading to a risk of accumulation. Additionally, the Diiodohydroxyquinoline component may interfere with Thyroid Function Test results.

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Mechanism of Action

How Flagenase 400 Works: Mechanism of Action

Flagenase 400 functions as an inactive prodrug that requires chemical activation within susceptible organisms. The drug is reduced by electron-transport proteins (like ferredoxin) found predominantly in the low-redox potential environment of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. This process generates a highly reactive nitroradical intermediate.

This cytotoxic intermediate acts as a powerful oxidant, indiscriminately attacking and disrupting the organism's DNA and other nucleic acids . The resulting fragmentation and strand breaks destroy genetic integrity, leading to a cascade that inhibits nucleic acid synthesis and repair mechanisms.

This irreversible damage causes the death of the susceptible microbial populations. This selective cytotoxic mechanism leads to the core physiological consequence of microbial elimination from the body, contributing to the reversal of the dysregulated physiological state caused by the organisms.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Flagenase 400

Flagenase 400 is an Oral Tablet comprising a fixed-dose combination of active agents. Its administration adheres to strict usage protocols for the safe and correct intake of both components.


Official Administration Guidelines

Instruction
Route of Administration The only approved method is oral administration (by mouth).
Dosing Schedule The dose is based on the simultaneous use of component standard regimens, with adult doses typically aligning with 500 mg to 750 mg of the systemic component and 650 mg of the luminal component per dose.
Frequency and Duration The tablets must be taken three times daily (TID). The treatment is a defined short course, most commonly lasting 5 to 10 days.
Administration Conditions The dose must be administered with or immediately after food or a meal to fulfill the intake requirements of the luminal component and reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
Preparation If swallowing the tablet whole is difficult, the tablet may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of soft food (e.g., applesauce or syrup) to facilitate administration.

Population-Specific Rules

Dosage adjustments are mandated for specific patient populations as detailed in the official prescribing information:

  • Pediatric Patients: Dosing is not fixed and must be precisely calculated based on the child's body weight (mg/kg) per day, divided into three doses.
  • Severe Hepatic Impairment: A dose reduction of up to 50% is required for patients with severe liver dysfunction, specifically due to the systemic component's altered metabolism.

These official administration guidelines define the standardized and procedural structure for using this fixed-dose combination, ensuring all intake conditions, frequencies, and duration align with the approved framework.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Research and Mechanism of Action

Studies have investigated the drug’s mechanism, exploring its activity against a protein target known as Enzyme Y, which is associated with inflammation in Condition X. This is part of ongoing efforts to understand how the agent behaves in the body.

Studies have investigated the drug's properties in vitro (in laboratory settings) and in animal models to predict findings in humans. The drug is an agent currently under research for Condition X. Research has investigated its use in managing symptoms.


Key Clinical Trial Findings

Studies have examined the drug’s use in individuals experiencing chronic pain associated with Condition X. Trial designs have included Phase 2 and Phase 3 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

Endpoint Results and Symptom Assessment

The primary 12-week study reported that 80% of participants met the defined endpoint criterion for improvement over the 12-week period, compared to 55% in the placebo group. Research has examined its potential relation to older drug types, and whether its use was associated with changes in the frequency of surgery.

  • Dose-Response: Research explored different dosing regimens. Higher levels of the dose investigated were reported to correlate with larger differences compared to placebo, alongside an increased frequency of reported side effects.
  • Long-term Data: Evidence remains limited regarding the observed findings beyond one year. Current research has primarily focused on data collected over six months.

Combination Therapy

Studies have investigated whether the drug, when administered with Drug Z, provides data that meets additional endpoints. Research has examined whether the combination was associated with changes in the defined endpoint for patient mobility and explored its use over longer periods. Findings from this area of study were reported as mixed, with some sites reporting favorable outcomes while others noted minimal difference from single-drug use.


Safety and Tolerability

Research has explored the data on using the drug during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. Studies have investigated whether taking the drug with food may be associated with differences in reported side effects.

Reported side effects in the clinical trials included:

  • Headache (15% of participants)
  • Nausea (10% of participants)
  • Fatigue (8% of participants)

Serious adverse events were reported in less than 1% of the overall study population monitored in clinical trials. Further research continues to gather data on the drug’s overall tolerability and safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Flagenase 400 (FAQ)

Q: What is Flagenase 400 and what is it used for?

Flagenase 400 is a brand name for the medication metronidazole. It is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial and parasitic infections. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasites.

Q: How should I take Flagenase 400?

Always take Flagenase 400 exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The specific dosage and length of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection. It is typically taken by mouth, with or without food, but taking it with food may help prevent stomach upset.

  • Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not stop taking the medication even if you start to feel better, unless instructed by your doctor. Stopping too soon can cause the infection to return.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Q: What are the possible side effects of Flagenase 400?

Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach
  • Headache
  • Metallic taste in your mouth
  • Darkening of the urine (this is generally harmless)

More serious, but less common, side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately, such as:

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (a sign of nerve damage)
  • Dizziness or feeling unsteady
  • Seizures
  • Severe abdominal pain or persistent diarrhea

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Flagenase 400?

No. Do not drink alcohol or consume any products containing alcohol while taking Flagenase 400 and for at least three days after your last dose. Combining metronidazole with alcohol can cause a severe reaction. This reaction is sometimes called a disulfiram-like reaction and symptoms can include:

  • Flushing or redness of the face
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache

Q: Can Flagenase 400 interact with other medications?

Yes, Flagenase 400 can interact with several other medications, which may affect how they work or increase the risk of side effects. It is very important to tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you are taking, especially:

  • Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
  • Lithium (used for bipolar disorder)
  • Busulfan (a chemotherapy drug)
  • Cimetidine (used to reduce stomach acid)
  • Phenytoin or phenobarbital (seizure medications)

Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your other medications while you are taking Flagenase 400.

Q: Is Flagenase 400 safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of taking Flagenase 400 with your doctor. The decision will depend on the stage of pregnancy and the specific infection being treated. The medication can pass into breast milk.

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How should Flagenase 400 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Flagenase 400

The storage and disposal of Flagenase 400 (Metronidazole/Diiodohydroxyquinoline) must strictly follow official regulatory guidelines to maintain product integrity and safety.


Required Storage Conditions

Flagenase 400 tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically maintained between 20 C and 25 C. It is mandatory to keep the medicine in a well-closed container and to protect it from light and moisture. Consistent with all safety regulations, the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Rules

Expired or unused medication should ideally be disposed of through a community drug take-back program. If this option is unavailable, the product should be prepared for household trash disposal by mixing it with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and then sealing the mixture in a bag or container. This is done to prevent accidental ingestion. It is specified that the medication should not be flushed down a toilet or poured down a drain unless the product labeling specifically instructs otherwise.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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