Product Uses
Metronidazole is a human antibiotic, commonly employed by veterinarians to treat bacterial and protozoal infections in dogs and cats. This product is not licensed for use in animals, however there is no equivalent product which is FDA approved for use in animals currently.
Product Contains
Metronidazole
Dosage and Administration
The usual dose in dogs is 3-23 mg/lb 1-4 times daily, while in cats, it is 5-23mg/pound once or twice a day. The actual dose and the duration of treatment depend on the specific condition being treated. The drug is very bitter and is better tolerated by pets when given with food.
Warnings, Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Side effects seen with this medication in dogs and cats include excessive salivation, gagging, regurgitation, pawing at the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, weakness, low white blood cell count, liver failure, and blood in the urine, or dark urine due to pigment changes. Nervous system signs may be seen after accidental overdose or with long-term moderate to high-dose therapy ?these may begin 7 to 12 days into a course of treatment, but normally resolve with cessation of therapy.
Metronidazole should be avoided in pregnant animals, especially in the first trimester as it has been known to cause birth defects in laboratory animals. Metronidazole is also excreted in breast milk, so should not be used in lactating animals. It should not be used in young puppies and kittens. Metronidazole should be avoided or used with caution, at reduced doses, in animals with kidney or liver disease. It should be used with caution in conjunction with medications which slow liver enzyme activity (such as phenobarbitone, cimetidine) and in conjunction with warfarin or other anticoagulants as it may prolong blood clotting times.
Should any signs of intolerance of metronidazole occur in your pet, discontinue therapy and contact your veterinarian for advice.
Storage
Store at a controlled room temperature between 59-86F (15-30C).
Manufacturer
Various generic manufacturers
This is a human product, which is not licensed with the FDA for use in animals. The use of this product by your veterinarian is at their discretion - your veterinarian is responsible for determining the appropriate dose rate and managing any side effects which may occur in association with this product.
Metronidazole (Generic Alternative to Flagyl)
