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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,

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Medication: Metronidazole

Medication: Metronidazole

Your dog has been prescribed metronidazole for the treatment of a bacterial or protozoal infection. This medication is often used to treat dental infections, certain gastrointestinal infections, urogenital infections, mouth, throat and skin infections, and to treat diarrhea associated with chemotherapy. Metronidazole has also been used to reduce blood ammonia levels caused by intestinal bacteria in dogs with liver disease.

Key points: 
• Antimicrobial.
• Sometimes manufactured as a combination product with another antimicrobial, such as spiramycin.
• Has a very bitter taste. May be better accepted if compounded as metronidazole benzoate for animals that refuse metronidazole.
• Dosage: once or twice daily. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name

  • Metronidazole (meh-troh-nye-dah-zol).

Brand name

  • Stormogyl® 2 Film-coated Tablets (UK).
  • Stormogyl® 10 Film-coated Tablets (UK).
  • Stormogyl® 20 Film-coated Tablets (UK).
  • Metrotab®1000 mg Tablets for dogs (UK).
  • Metrocare Flavour Tablets for dogs and cats (UK).
  • Spizobactin® Chewable Tablets for dogs (UK).
  • Metrovis 100 mg Tablets for dogs and cats (UK).
  • Metrobactin® 250 mg Tablets for dogs and cats (UK).
  • Metrobactin® 500 mg Tablets for dogs and cats (UK).
  • Eradia125 mg/ml oral suspension for dogs (UK).
  • Ayradia oral suspension for dogs (US).
  • Flagyl® 250 mg, 500 mg Tablets (US).

Class of medication

  • Antimicrobial and anti-protozoal.

Storage

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Store compounded liquids as instructed and shake well before using.

Why has my dog been prescribed metronidazole?

Your veterinarian has prescribed metronidazole for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria or protozoa or diarrhea caused by chemotherapy. Your veterinarian may have prescribed metronidazole to eradicate intestinal bacteria that create excess ammonia in animals with liver disease.

How is the medication given?

Metronidazole is given by injection or orally (as tablets or liquid medication). It is administered once or twice daily. Tablets can either be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or along with some food. Liquid medication may be syringed directly into your pet’s mouth or given with food.

Some metronidazole tablets are very palatable, so be sure to keep them out of your dog’s reach.

Metronidazole tablets and liquid medications should not be handled by pregnant women as metronidazole is teratogenic.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) may occur. If this happens, stop the treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Metronidazole should not be used during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Metronidazole should not be used during lactation. Metronidazole should not be used in animals with liver disorders.

Metronidazole rarely has caused central nervous system toxicity in dogs. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits signs of central nervous system toxicity (dizziness, stumbling, head tilt, tremors, seizures, unusual eye movements, sudden behavior change, etc.)

Reported side-effects include vomiting and blood in urine.

Prolonged therapy or the presence of pre-existing liver disease may result in neurological symptoms. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Metronidazole may interact with other mediations, including phenobarbital, phenytoin and cimetidine. Metronidazole may also interact with blood test results for patients on warfarin. Tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements that your dog receives at home.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Metronidazole tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment course will depend on the infection but is usually for 5 to 7 days.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused metronidazole safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save metronidazole for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Metronidazole should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on metronidazole?

No specific tests are required while your dog is taking metronidazole.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on metronidazole can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

US

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication. 

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