Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat various conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, nonspecific diarrheal disorders, infections caused by Giardia (a cause of diarrhea), and periodontal disease. Metronidazole requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold by the tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Treats a wide array of ailments
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An antibiotic that effectively treats inflammatory bowel disease
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Remedies certain diarrheal disorders
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Treats infections caused by Giardia (intestinal parasite)
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Also treats periodontal disease
How it works:
Metronidazole is especially effective against anaerobic infections - bacteria that can live without oxygen. It's able to penetrate bone, making it especially useful in oral/dental infections. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine and is an effective anti-diarrhea medication for certain diseases.
Cautions:
Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhea, which may be the sign of a new infection. If your pet has diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, contact your veterinarian. Do not use any medication to stop the diarrhea unless instructed by your veterinarian.
More Information:
Brand Name Flagyl (Searle)
Generic Name Metronidazole
What is the most important information I should know about Metronidazole: Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose of metronidazole in dogs is 3mg to 23mg per pound one to four times a day. The usual dose in cats is 5mg to 23mg per pound one or two times a day. The actual dose and duration of treatment depends on the specific condition being treated. Metronidazole should be given to your pet for the entire length of time prescribed by your veterinarian.
What is Metronidazole: Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat numerous ailments, including Giardia infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections in the mouth. Metronidazole may be used for other purposes than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Metronidazole to my pet: Do not give this medication if your pet is allergic to metronidazole, or if your pet is pregnant. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to any medications, or if your pet has any of the following: liver disease; anemia; epilepsy; or nerve disorders. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, or if you plan to breed your pet.
How should this medication be given: Give metronidazole exactly as it is prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not give in larger amounts or use it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. If you do not understand these directions speak to your pharmacist or veterinarian. Your veterinarian may want to perform blood tests on a regular basis to make sure the medication is not causing harmful effects. Store metronidazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you think you have given your pet too much of this medication. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or seizures.
What should I avoid while giving Metronidazole: Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhea, which may be the sign of a new infection. If your pet has diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your veterinarian. Do not use any medication to stop the diarrhea unless your veterinarian tells you to do so.
What are the possible side effects of Metronidazole: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if your pet experiences any signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Call your veterinarian at once if any of the following serious side effects occur: seizures; fever; chills; sores inside the mouth or on the lips; or watery or bloody diarrhea. Keep giving metronidazole and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops any of these less serious side effects: nausea; diarrhea; dizziness; loss of balance; dry mouth; cough; sneezing; runny nose; or swollen tongue. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your pet.
What other medications will affect Metronidazole: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is using any of the following medications: cimetidine (Tagamet), phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbital, or warfarin (Coumadin). There may be other drugs not listed that can affect metronidazole. Tell your veterinarian about all prescription and non-prescription (OTC) medications, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other veterinarians. Do not start using a new medication without telling your veterinarian.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has information about metronidazole written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic used in dogs and cats to treat various conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, nonspecific diarrhea disorders, infections caused by Giardia, and periodontal disease.
•
Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
•
The actual dose and duration of treatment with metronidazole depends on the specific condition being treated.
Tip: Metronidazole should be given to your pet for the entire length of time prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not give in larger amounts or use it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual dose is 3mg-23mg/pound of your pet’s body weight, by mouth, 1 to 4 times a day
Cats:
All weights
The usual dose 5mg-23mg/pound of your pet’s body weight, by mouth, 1 to 2 times a day
Horses:
Storage: Store metronidazole at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
My big old 25 lb male kitty was so sick he couldn't eat and just wanted to sleep between the bloody diarrhea and throwing up. Just three doses later and he was starting to eat and wanting to play. But keep the dose going as ordered or it can make a comeback in just hours.
I was introduced to this medication when my male Golder Retriever male contracted giardhea (sp?) from a couple of Golden Retriever foster puppies. He had diarrhea and was barfing, and we went to the emergency clinic...on Christmas Eve. They gave him an anti-nausea shot and a dose of this, and a prescription for a 5 day treatment, and by the next morning he was absolutely fine This is Great Stuff. Really. Great Stuff.
Having a dog with GI issues since she was a puppy was not only upsetting to her but life threatening as well. She was in the hospital 3 times before she was 1 1/2 years old all for GI issues. After the vet put her on Metronidozole and I put her on probiotics, life is so good again for our soft coated Wheaten Terrier.
This med was given to our year old Saint Bernard who is a rescue. She started to get better after the first day. She has one dose left hope all stays good
My 90# rotti was just diagnosed with Giardia. What is the correct doseage for him. The vet states it should be 500mg x tid. I've read that there are a lot of side effects related to Flagyl if too much is given. The last thing I need is my pup to feel worse than he probably already does. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
You need to follow your veterinarian's directions. 500 mg 3 times a day is not an excessive dose for a 90 lb pet. Give this medication for the full length of time your veterinarian has told you. To minimize the possibility of side effects this medication can be given with food. Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops diarrhea.
Pets with Giardia will usually have diarrhea. Only your veterinarian can diagnose if your pet has this disease. Metronidazole can be used to treat the pet once the diagnosis is made. Your veterinarian will determine if this is the drug of choice and also what dose to give the pet. You do need a prescription from your veterinarian.
There is a very broad dosage range for metronidazole. Depending on the condition and the severity of the condition, metronidazole can be dose anywhere from 3mg - 23 mg per pound of pet's weight given 1 to 4 times a day. I would suggest if you are concerned about the dose of the medication that you double check with the veterinarian who prescribed it.
How soon the drug takes effect is a factor of what type of infection is being treated and how severe the infection is. I would recommend giving the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. If you are not seeing some improvement in your pet's condition, let's say 7 days after starting the medication, I would recommend you should speak to your veterinarian. It's possible it may take longer to see any improvement.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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