Is metronidazole, a.k.a Flagyl, carcinogenic?

Metronidazole, commercially known as Flagyl, is an antibiotic on the list of medicine that is used the most by specialists globally. It can treat a wide range of diseases, in children and adults.

When I studied to become a vet, and probably also now for medicine students, focusing on details was essential. So, today, I focus on Flagyl, not simply because it is popular, but also because of simple interest and sharing information with you.

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Does Flangyl generate cancer?

Indeed, metronidazole has been catalogues as a possible carcinogenic by different studies, but it should be taken into consideration that the data was taken on laboratory animals during a prolongued period of time, not on humans.

The main recommendation is to follow your doctor's advice.

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Sites that could be of interest (in Spanish!)

• MedlinePlus about Metronidazol
• About metronidazol, recommended doses, diseases it cures

In English:

1. About Flagyl
2. More about it

Alternatives to Flagyl:

As a doctor, looking for effective alternatives with the least possible secondary effects for our patients is vital.

The medication mentioned in the following list, although also derivates of nitroimidazoles, like metronidazole, have different compounds.

Still not sure? Another alternative is furazolidona.

• Ornidazol: consumed orally, without any studies on it being carcinogenic.
• Tinidazol: very effective, for children and adults.
• Secnidazol: often prescribed by pediatrics, to avoid harmful effects on children.

Also, here's a link to inform on the main substitutes for antibiotics, garlic (Spanish!). There you go, another page, in English.

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