Metronidazole for Dogs & Cats - (Generic) Tablets, 500-mg, 1 tablet - [Infection Treatment]

Metronidazole is an oral medication prescribed for the treatment of various types of infections, including bacterial infections and protozoal infections caused by parasites. Metronidazole may also help treat other inflammations found in the gastric system. This single-ingredient antibiotic comes in an uncoated tablet form and is available in two strength options. Customers may receive this drug under the names Flagyl, Metizol, Protostat, Metrogel.

Uses

Metronidazole is formulated to help treat susceptible anaerobic bacterial infections, protozoa and other inflammatory conditions in the GI tract. This medication may also help resolve bacterial infections found in the mouth.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects may include weakness, blood in the urine, diarrhea, stumbling and head tilt. Liver disease is also possible but unlikely. Two serious adverse reactions reported in pets treated with metronidazole have been convulsive seizures and peripheral neuropathy, the latter characterized mainly by numbness or paresthesia of an extremity.

• 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.

Storage:

Store metronidazole at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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.

Precautions:

Before administering Metronidazole for dogs and cats, test the animal for hypersensitivity towards the contents of the drug. Abstain from using this medication on pregnant and breeding pets as well as puppies and kittens. It might be slightly difficult to administer the medication as it has a strong bitter taste. Prolonged as well as over dosage of this medication can bring about many harmful effects. Administer Metronidazole in reduced doses on animals with underlying liver disease or blood disorders. If the pet is under phenytoin or other anticoagulants medication such as warfarin, avoid using Metronidazole, as adverse reactions are likely to occur.

Side Effects

A few of the commonly noted side effects of Metronidazole for dogs and cats are neurologastro-intestinal disorder, lethargy, weakness, neutropenias, hepatoxicity, and hematuria. Cases of anorexia, nausea, excessive salivation, gagging, regurgitation and diarrhea are also reported. Harmful effects of metronidazole for dogs and catsnormally affect the brain and its equilibrium. Drowsiness, rashes and incoordination are other side effects. There are a few rare side effects such as loss of appetite, vomiting, staggering or difficulty in walking, involuntary and constant eye movements, lethargy and seizures. Occasionally death can also occur and therefore stop administration of the drug as soon as any side effects are noted.