Home

>

Cat

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Metronidazole in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Metronidazole

Updated on September 10, 2024

Metronidazole is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal medication.

Metronidazole

Summary

Used For:

Antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication. Used for susceptible bacterial and parasitic infections; its use for non infectious, acute diarrhea is controversial

Brands:

Flagyl®

Species:

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, rodents, small mammals, ferrets, birds, horses, amphibians, reptiles.

Drug type:

Antibiotic

Prescription required:

Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects:

Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, neurological changes.
 

General description

Metronidazole is used to treat a variety of bacterial and parasitic infections. It is effective against anaerobic bacteria, as well as protozoal intestinal parasites. Although metronidazole is frequently used for acute and chronin nonspecific diarrhea in dogs, evidence to support this use is conflicting3 and the drug may have a potentially significant and sustained detrimental impact on the GI microbiota. [Buy Metronidazole now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/metronidazole) A prescription from your veterinarian may be needed to purchase.

Uses

Gastrointestinal infections, systemic infections with anaerobic bacteria, treat infections caused by Giardia, Trichomonas, and Balantidium coli

How it works

Metronidazole works by interacting with the DNA of susceptible bacteria and protozoal organisms, thus causing the death of the infectious cell. It also reduces cell-mediated immunity, thereby helping with the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Dosage

• **Dogs**: 10-15 mg/kg for susceptible bacterial infections, 25 milligrams per kilogram for giardia by mouth every 8-12 hours. • **Cats**: 10-15 mg/kg for suspectable bacterial infections, 25 milligrams per kilogram for giardia by mouth every 12-24 hours; Trichomoniasis 30 – 50 mg/kg PO twice daily for 3 to 14 days • **Horses**: 15 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 8-12 hours. • **Ferrets**: 10-30 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12-24 hours. • **Birds**: 10-50 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 12 hours; PROHIBITED FOR USE IN POULTRY • RABBITS, RODENTS, & SMALL MAMMALS o **Anaerobic infections (extra-label)**:  **Rabbits**: 20 mg/kg PO every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg PO q24h  **Mice**: 3.5 mg/mL in water for 5 days; Spironucleus muris infection in mice (extra-label): 10 – 40 mg/kg PO twice, 5 days apart60  **Rats**: 10 – 40 mg/rat (NOT mg/kg) PO once daily  **Guinea pigs**: 10 – 40 mg/kg PO once daily.  **Chinchillas**: Metronidazole should be used cautiously in chinchillas due to risk for reduced food intake and potential hepatoxicity.  **Gerbils, hamsters**: 7.5 mg/70 to 90 g body weight PO every 8 hours • **REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS** o **Treatment of amoebae, flagellates, and ciliates in reptiles and amphibians (extra-label)**: Typically, metronidazole 100 mg/kg PO repeated in 2 weeks or 50 mg/kg PO once daily for 3 to 5 days. o **Anaerobic respiratory infections in reptiles (extra-label)**: 20 mg/kg PO every 48 hours

Forms

Oral tablets: 250 and 500 milligrams, Oral Capsules: 375 milligrams. May be compounded into an oral suspension at varying concentrations.

Storage information & handling

Tablets should be stored in a tight, light resistant, and childproof container at room temperature. Refrigerate oral suspension.

What results can I expect?

Resolution of the infection.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

In cases of overdoses, decreased appetite, vomiting, depression, dilated pupils, nystagmus, ataxia/staggering, head tilt, joint knuckling, disorientation, tremors, decreased heart rate, stiffness, and seizures may be seen. If you think your pet has had an overdose, seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

• Common side effects include nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Give with food to reduce risk of GI upset. • At higher doses, neurologic signs (ataxia/staggering, joint knuckling, Head tilt, dilated pupils, nystagmus) may be observed. Seek veterinary care if concerned.

Contraindications

• Previous sensitivity • Debilitated animals • Liver disease • Pregnant or lactating animals • Prohibited for use in food animals by the FDA

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using metronidazole with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements The following medications may especially • CYCLOSPORINE: • MYCOPHENOLATE • PHENOBARBITAL • QT PROLONGATION DRUGS (eg, amiodarone, cisapride, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol) • WARFARIN

Precaution

Do not use in severely debilitated, pregnant, or lactating animals. Prohibited by the FDA for use in food animals. Use caution for use in animals with liver dysfunction.

Laboratory considerations

May falsely decrease AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT). • Metronidazole can interfere with measurement of serum triglycerides.

Sources

Plumb's Veterinary Handbook

Manufacturer information

http://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/flagyl

Related Questions

left image

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

Read More

I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

Read More

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

Read More

My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Read More

My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

Read More

My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

Read More

right image
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.