Why would you need the drug Flagyl given to you for gyn surgery? Isn't that to get rid of stomach parasites?

Question

I remember someone getting that drug for Giardia. I'm confused as why it would be used for gyn surgery.

Answer 1

The drug (metronidazole) kills different bacteria and protozoa that can occur in different parts of the body: the GI tract, brain, heart, uterus, v****a, etc...

It is available in gel form specifically for GYN use but can also be given orally and IV for GYN infections.

Here is a link to a long list of bugs that Flagyl (metronidazole) can be used for:

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-55-METRO...

Answer 2

it's commonly used for gi (gastrointestinal) and gu(gyno-urological) purposes. for surgery they likely used it prophylactically (or to prevent) an infection.

Answer 3

Flagyl (metronidazole) is active both against certain protozoa (Giardia, Trichomonas) and against anaerobic bacteria that can cause serious infections after abdominal surgery.   The pharmacology text I teach from mostly discusses Flagyl in the context of the protozoa like Giardia, but it is a heavy-duty and important anti-bacterial drug as well.   It would be used for surgery to prevent post-surgical infections.