CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Metronidazole
Medication: Metronidazole
Your cat 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 cats 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).
- Metrocare Flavour Tablets for dogs and cats (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).
- 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 cat 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 cat’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 cat’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.
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 medications, 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 cat receives at home.
How long will my cat 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 cat 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 cat 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 cat need to be monitored while on metronidazole?
No specific tests are required while your cat 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
- Boehringer Ingelheim (UK) Stomorgyl® 2, 10, 20 Film-coated Tablets for Cats and Dogs. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-454
- Animalcare Metrocare Flavour Tablets for dogs and cats. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-476951
- Livisto Int’l S.L. Metrovis 100 mg tablets for dogs and cats. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_1663485.PDF
- Dechra Metrobactin® Tablets for dogs and cats. Website: www.dechra.co.uk/products/dog/prescription/metrobactin#250mg-tablets-for-dogs-and-cats
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products available in the US containing metronidazole. Your veterinarian will explain the regulations regarding prescribing unlicensed products if they prescribe an unlicensed product for your pet.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.