Metronidazole
Veterinary
Indications
Animal: Metritis, Endometritis, Vaginitis, Trichomoniasis, Giardiasis, Gingivitis, Amoebic dysentery and calf scour. Postoperative treatment after colonic surgery & inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Poultry: Histomoniasis, Giardiasis, Trichomoniasis etc.
Benefits:
Poultry: Histomoniasis, Giardiasis, Trichomoniasis etc.
Benefits:
- Metronidazole is active against obligate anaerobic microorganisms both protozoa and bacteria.
- This bolus has an anti-inflammatory effect in the bowel.
- This bolus prevents IBD by inducing non-specific immunity.
- This bolus absorbed rapidly from the GI tract.
- This bolus can be used with other antibiotics to treat mixed bacterial infections.
- This bolus is compatible with other antibiotics including Penicillin, aminoglycosides and cephalosporins.
Pharmacology
Metronidazole is a member of the imidazole class of antibacterial drug and is classified therapeutically as an antiprotozoal agent. The 5-nitro group of Metronidazole is reduced by anaerobes metabolically. Studies have demonstrated that the reduced form of this drug interacts with DNA and gives bactericidal action of Metronidazole.
Dosage & Administration
Bolus Tablet-
Large animal:
Large animal:
- Orally: 40-50 mg/kg body weight (i.e., 1 bolus per 40-50 kg body weight) for 5-7 days.
- Intra-uterine: 4 bolus directly or powdered for douche per 100 kg body weight.
- 1 bolus/3-6 litre drinking water for 4-6 days.
- Or as directed by the Registered Veterinary Doctor.
- Poultry: 1 g/2-3 L drinking water daily for 5 days.
- Pigeon: 20 mg/kg once daily for 5 days or 50 mg/kg on alternate days for 3 treatments.
- Livestock: 4 g/25 kg body weight daily for 5-7 days. Or, as directed by the veterinary physician.
Interaction
Metronidazole bolus is reported to elevate prothrombin time in animals on warfarin or other coumarin anticoagulants. Cimetidine can interfere with the liver's ability to break down this bolus and the dose may have to be reduced. Phenobarbital and phenytoin may increase the metabolism of this bolus.
Contraindications
The drug should not be used in animals hypersensitive to active ingredients.
Side Effects
Usually salivation, vomiting, decreased appetite, gastro-intestinal upset etc may occur.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Metronidazole bolus should be avoided in pregnant animals, especially in the first trimester and should not be used in lactating animals.
Precautions & Warnings
This bolus should not be used in young puppies and kittens. This bolus should be avoided or used with caution, at reduced doses, in animals with kidney or liver disease.
Storage Conditions
Protect from light, store in a cool and dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
