METRONIDAZOLE
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS MEDICATION IS NOT TO BE USED IN PREGNANT ANIMALS. IT CAUSES BIRTH DEFECTS.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: APO-METRONIDAZOLE®
HOW IS THIS MEDICATION USED
Metronidazole is an antibiotic especially effective against anaerobic infections (infections that grow without the presence of oxygen.) In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine and is a very effective anti-diarrheal medication. It is an effective antibiotic against certain protozoal infections, especially Giardia.
Metronidazole is able to modify cell mediated immunity so as to normalize excessive immune reactions, especially in the large intestine. It is unknown how metronidazole is able to do this. A common use of this medication is the treatment of colitis, which may or may not be caused by inflammatory bowel disease.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
Tell the veterinarian if your pet is on:
If metronidazole is used concurrently with phenobarbital (medication for epilepsy), metronidazole may not be as effective. If metronidazole is used concurrently with cimetidine, there is a slight increased risk for metronidazole use to yield the side effects listed below.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects are not commonly seen with this medication unless the patient is taking especially high doses or moderate doses for a long time period (months). Side effects seen can relate to nausea or appetite loss or side effects can be neurologic (staggering, head tilt to one side, dilated pupils, and bizarre back and forth eye movements called "nystagmus"). These side effects resolve in a matter of days when medication is withdrawn and, again, only occur with chronic use (months) or short term use with especially high doses.
This medication may cause seizures (convulsions). If they occur, stop giving the medication and contact your pet’s veterinarian right away.
This medication may cause darkening of the urine. This is not harmful.
SPECIAL CAUTIONS
Before giving this medicine, tell the veterinarian if your pet has ever had:
Metronidazole can cause birth defects if given to a pregnant patient. It should therefore never be administered during pregnancy.
Metronidazole is best given with food.
Give this medication for as long as your pet’s veterinarian prescribes, even if your pet feels better, unless your pet is experiencing serious side effects and your pet’s veterinarian has advised discontinuation.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your pet’s veterinarian.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.