A Chemical on the Prop 65 List

Metronidazole Tablets

Metronidazole is a synthetic antibacterial and antiprotazoal agent used in treating giardiasis, trichomoniasis, amoebiasis, balantidiasis and trypanosomiasis.  It is often used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal parasites.

Dogs and Cats

Metronidazole is used to treat anaerobic and protozoal infections.

metronidazole

Possible side effects may include drowsiness, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and neurological disorders (e.g. muscular incoordination, involuntary rapid movement of the eyeball, seizures, head tilt, slow heart rate, rigidity and stiffness). If your pet develops any neurological symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Metronidazole should be given orally as directed by veterinarian for the entire length of time prescribed. Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up. Metronidazole base tablets are extremely bitter, do not crush these tablets.

This medication does not have an FDA approved indication for use in animals, but it is a common and acceptable practice for veterinarians to prescribe this human medication for use in animals.

Inform your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disease, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or nerve disorder prior to beginning treatment. The safety of this medication has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding, or nursing animals.

Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet. Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely. The following drugs can potentially interact with metronidazole: cyclosporine, warfarin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, cimetidine, and alcohol. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform VetSource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies. If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your veterinarian immediately or go to a veterinary emergency clinic. Symptoms may include but are not limited to: swollen lips, tongue, face, airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; vomiting; widespread hives and itching.