Metronidazole
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Metronidazole for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Metronidazole is used to help treat certain infections caused by some bacteria and by some one-celled parasites.
- You can give this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. If your pet’s stomach seems upset, giving it with food may help.
- The more common unwanted effects are throwing up, loose stools, eating less, and seeming sleepy.
- This medicine can sometimes affect the brain and nerves, especially when higher amounts are used. If you notice any change in your pet’s behavior, balance, or movement, contact your veterinarian.
- Give the full treatment for the entire time prescribed, even if your pet seems improved before the medicine is finished.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine and does not replace guidance from your veterinary healthcare team.
Description
- This medicine works as an antibiotic (for certain bacteria) and as an antiprotozoal (for certain one-celled parasites).
- It comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
Ayradia, Flagyl
Uses of Metronidazole for pets
At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:
- Used to treat other protozoal infections and some bacterial infections in dogs and cats.
- Used to treat inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to this medicine.
Use with caution in:
- Animals with liver problems.
- Working animals that depend on smell. Metronidazole may temporarily make it harder for them to detect odors.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal is competing while taking a medicine, check the applicable rules.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If your skin touches your animal’s saliva within 5 minutes after you give the dose, wash that area to help prevent skin irritation.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it.
- You may give it with food or without food. If your pet gets an upset stomach, giving it with food may help.
- This medicine tastes extremely bitter. Hiding tablets or capsules inside strongly scented food may help your pet take it.
- If you are using a liquid form, shake it well each time before giving a dose.
- For liquids, use an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects of Metronidazole for pets
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite.
- Weakness or sleepiness.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Trouble walking, poor coordination, head tilt, or seizures.
- Not eating at all, especially in cats.
- Yellow color to the skin, the whites of the eyes, or the gums.
How will I know it's working?
- Most animals begin to seem better within 1 to 2 days.
- If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- This medicine stops having effect within 24 hours after the final dose.
- The effects may continue longer if your animal’s liver function is reduced.
How long do I give it for?
- The length of treatment can vary. Give it for the full time your veterinarian instructs.
- Finishing the entire course is important, even if your animal seems better.
Overdose
- Possible overdose signs include not wanting to eat, vomiting, depression, confusion, poor coordination, and seizures.
- Too much of this medicine can harm the nervous system and the liver.
If you see or think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee may apply):
If possible, have the product container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose when you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
- If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give an extra dose or two doses at once.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
- Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is preferred when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Talk to your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”