
Specifically in cats, metronidazole is often prescribed for:
- Inflammatory bowel disease or chronic inflammation of the gut.
- Hepatic encephalopathy, which is when the liver is unable to process toxins in the blood and these toxins go into the...
- Helicobacter spp ., bacteria in the stomach which may cause stomach ulcers, vomiting, and inflammation.
Is metronidazole benzoate safe to give a cat?
Apr 15, 2022 · Metronidazole can be used to treat protozoal infections caused by Giardia in cats, though it is often not the first choice. It is more often used alongside the preferred medication fenbendazole to help further reduce clinical signs and shedding of the parasite.
Is phenazopyridine safe for use in cats?
Jun 23, 2021 · Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a common antibiotic used for cats with diarrhea and other digestive problems. Because this medication is most often used for humans, you may worry about its effects on your pet. Here, we’ll discuss what to expect when your cat takes metronidazole and if there are other medications available to treat your cat’s condition.
What is the correct cefdinir dosage for cats?
Can cats take metronidazole?

Why would a cat need metronidazole?
Why do vets prescribe metronidazole?
What are the side effects of metronidazole in cats?
- Allergic reaction (labored breathing, hives, etc.)
- Drooling and gagging (the drug is very bitter)
- Vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Lethargy.
- Blood in the urine, or dark urine.
- Liver damage.
Which infections are treated with metronidazole?
How long can a cat take metronidazole?
How long does it take for metronidazole to work in cats?
Does metronidazole make cats sleepy?
The most common side effects in cats taking metronidazole include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dark or bloody urine, lethargy and weakness, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith website.
How do indoor cats get Giardia?
How long does it take for a cat to feel better on antibiotics?
What antibiotic do they give cats for UTI?
Is metronidazole a painkiller?
What foods should you avoid while taking metronidazole?
- Do not mix these items with drugs such as metronidazole (Flagyl) and linezolid (Zyvox), used to treat bacterial infections.
- These foods, along with tap beer, red wine, and sherry, contain tyramine, an amino acid that can cause blood pressure to spike if taken with linezolid.
Does metronidazole make cats tired?
As mentioned, metronidazole toxicity can cause central nervous signs, that can include dullness, so if your cat seems tired when on this medication...
How much metronidazole do I give my cat?
This is a decision for your veterinarian, but generally the dose rates recommended above will be used.
What is Metronidazole Used for in Cats?
Generally, metronidazole is most often used in cats to treat for a variety of causes of diarrhea. Specific causes may include targeting overgrowth...
How Long Can a Cat Take Metronidazole?
Most courses of metronidazole are shorter, for 1-2 weeks duration. Veterinarians may sometimes use it for longer, especially for cases of refractor...
Why Do Vets Prescribe Metronidazole?
Vets often prescribe metronidazole as an empirical treatment for diarrhea in cats. While determining the cause of diarrhea with fecal and/or blood...
Can You Mix Metronidazole with Wet Cat Food?
Metronidazole is a very bitter-tasting tablet medication, meaning that it may be difficult to give to your cat without somehow hiding the taste. G...
metronidazole Dosage For Dogs and Cats
The dosage for metronidazole in dogs and cats varies depending on its intended use and the specifics of a patient’s case. A dose range of between 5...
What to Do If You Miss A Dose of metronidazole
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not giv...
Side Effects of metronidazole
Because metronidazole crosses the blood-brain barrier, neurologic side effects are possible with the use of this drug. Typically these occur when p...
Drugs That React With metronidazole
1. Cimitidine 2. Cyclosporine 3. Warfarin 4. 5-Fluorouracil 5. Phenytoin 6. Phenobarbital DO NOT GIVE METRONIDAZOLE TO PREGNANT OR LACTATING PETS U...
How long does it take for a cat to get rid of diarrhea after taking metronidazole?
After the first dose, it takes 1 to 2 hours for your cat’s body to absorb the medication. Your cat’s diarrhea should start to get better in a few days. Make sure your cat finishes the entire course of metronidazole ordered by the vet, even if their diarrhea has totally cleared up. Your cat’s symptoms could return and be harder to treat if they don’t finish all of the medication.
What is metronidazole used for?
The antibiotic metronidazole is used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria or parasites in humans. Metronidazole prevents bacteria from growing and reproducing. The most common use for this medication is to treat intestinal infections, but it can be used for a variety of illnesses, including ear infections and meningitis (brain and spinal cord infection).
What is the best medicine for cats stomach?
Antibiotics can be an option to treat your cat when an infection is causing these tummy troubles. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a common antibiotic used for cats with diarrhea and other digestive problems. Because this medication is most often used for humans, you may worry about its effects on your pet.
What is flagyl used for in cats?
Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an antibiotic that veterinarians prescribe to treat diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats.
Why does my cat have diarrhea?
Most diarrhea involves infections or intestinal worms that cause inflammation (swelling) of the digestive tract. However, something non-infectious like an allergy or food intolerance can also cause an upset stomach.
How to help a cat with long term diarrhea?
Diet changes can help manage symptoms in cats that have long-term diarrhea. A bland diet with boiled rice or pasta and chicken is a common recommendation. The vet may also prescribe a specially formulated diet to balance your cat’s dietary fiber. Probiotics may also be recommended by the vet to support your cat’s gut health.
What is the name of the drug that is used for Giardia?
Fenbendazole (Panacur C) for Giardia infections — this can be an alternative to metronidazole or used in combination with metronidazole.
What is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole was created in a laboratory in France in 1959, where it was originally intended to be used to kill certain parasites known as protozoa. But it was soon discovered to be effective in killing bacteria, as well, making it one of the few medications with both antibiotic and antiprotozal properties.
What Does Metronidazole Look Like?
Most veterinarians will prescribe the generic metronidazole for cats in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets. The appearance of the medication varies by manufacturer, but the tablets are generally circular or oval and white with letters and numbers stamped on them, depending on the size.
How Does Metronidazole Work?
Metronidazole is called a nitroimidazole antibacterial and antiprotozoal because of the complicated way that it kills bacteria and protozoa. Metronidazole only works in anaerobic cells, meaning cells of bacteria and protozoa that do not require oxygen.
What Is Metronidazole Used for in Cats?
The most common reason a veterinarian might prescribe metronidazole for your cat is to treat issues in the gut, such as bacterial imbalance or parasites.
Metronidazole Side Effects in Cats
The vast majority of cats tolerate this medication very well, though some mild side effects may occur.
Metronidazole Dosage for Cats
Typically, metronidazole is administered to cats orally (by mouth) or intravenously (injected into the bloodstream). Doses range from 10 mg/kg (or 4.5 mg/lb) to 25 mg/kg (or 11.4 mg/lb). Metronidazole is typically given twice daily or every 12 hours, but in certain circumstances, your veterinarian may prescribe it every 24 hours.
Cost of Metronidazole for Cats
Metronidazole is inexpensive if using generic formulations. For example, 250 mg tablets generally cost less than 25 cents each. Most pet parents will spend less than $10 for a short-term prescription of tablets.
Why is metronidazole prescribed?
Metronidazole may also be prescribed to relieve inflammation of the intestinal tract. Because the drug can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and bone, it is sometimes used to treat infections of the central nervous system, bones, and teeth.
What are the side effects of metronidazole on dogs?
Depression and disorientation. Unsteadiness when standing or walking. Unusual eye movements. Head tilt. Tremors. Seizures. Stiffness. Other possible side effects of metronidazole use in dogs and cats include: Allergic reaction (labored breathing, hives, etc.)
What is the best medication for dogs?
What Is Metronidazole? Metronidazole (also known as Flagyl) is used primarily as an anti-diarrheal medication for dogs and cats. It is effective against certain protozoal infections including Giardia, Trichomonas, and Balantidium coli as well as anaerobic bacterial pathogens.
How to store metronidazole?
Keep the oral, liquid form of metronidazole refrigerated and shake well before use. Tablets and capsules are to be kept in a tightly sealed container at room temperature and protected from heat and light.
How does metronidazole work?
Metronidazole’s mechanism of action is not fully understood. It may disrupt the ability of some microorganisms to make new genetic material. Its anti-inflammatory action within the gastrointestinal tract may be related to suppression of some parts of the immune system.
Can metronidazole affect dogs?
Signs of neurologic side effects from metronidazole include: Other possible side effects of metronidazole use in dogs and cats include:
Does metronidazole cause neurologic problems?
Because metronidazole crosses the blood-brain barrier, neurologic side effects are possible with the use of this drug . Typically these occur when pets ingest more than the recommended dose or when they are on long-term therapy, particularly if they are debilitated or suffer from liver dysfunction. Signs of neurologic side effects from metronidazole include:
How does metronidazole work for cats?
The drug works by targeting the bacteria that’s at the root cause of the condition being treated. It comes in tablet form and requires a veterinarian’s prescription to purchase it. You can easily order metronidazole for your cat online from Chewy’s pharmacy with your vet’s prescription.
What is the best medication for cats to treat diarrhea?
Metronidazole for cats is an antibiotic medication that veterinarians usually prescribe to treat diarrhea-related conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and periodontal issues. It’s the generic drug name for a medicine that’s also sold under the brand names Metrogel, Flagyl, and Protostat.
When to stop giving medication to a cat?
Even if symptoms clear up early, it is imperative that you finish administering the full course of medication to your cat until your vet tells you to stop.
Can cats take metronidazole?
Veterinarians normally prescribe metronidazole for cats to treat a range of conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, issues related to diarrhea, and periodontal disease. The medicine’s ability to penetrate through bone makes it a good choice for dental conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
What is metronidazole used for?
What is metronidazole? Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent used in the treatment of certain anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections, such as those caused by Giardia and Trichomonas. It is often used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal problems. The use of metronidazole to treat Giardia infections ...
What are the side effects of metronidazole?
Side effects to metronidazole may include nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and drooling. Metronidazole can cause neurological effects including lack of muscle control or coordination, tremors, seizures, vomiting, eye twitching, and weakness. These effects usually occur if metronidazole is given at high doses or for extended periods of time, ...
How to store metronidazole?
Metronidazole tablets and capsules should be stored in a tightly sealed container, protected from light, and at temperatures below 30°C (86°F). Liquid formulations should be stored in the refrigerator. If your veterinarian has made a special formulation, follow the storage instructions provided with the product.
Can metronidazole be given to pets?
These effects usually occur if metronidazole is given at high doses or for extended periods of time, but they can occur with lower doses as well. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs with your pet.
Is metronidazole off label?
The use of metronidazole to treat Giardia infections and most other infections in dogs and cats is off label or extra-label. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.
Can metronidazole cause hair loss?
Very rarely, metronidazole may cause a skin disorder called cutaneous vasculitis in which blood vessels become inflamed in the skin. Signs of this skin disorder include scaling, hair loss, bruising, swelling, and bumps on the skin. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.
Is metronidazole a liquid or capsule?
Metronidazole is available as a capsule, tablet, and liquid suspension. It may also be compounded (made) into a formulation (called metronidazole benzoate) that tastes less bitter and is easier to administer to cats. An injectable form is also available that your veterinarian will administer at your veterinary hospital.
What is metronidazole used for in cats?
Metronidazole (brand name is Flagyl) is a drug used for certain bacterial and protozoal infections, such as diarrhea and other intestinal issues. If your cat has some intestinal health problems and your veterinarian has prescribed them with metronidazole, keep reading this article!
How long does metronidazole stay in cats urine?
The brand name for metronidazole for cats is Flagyl. This medicine can be administered orally. The ideal concentration is reached in about one hour. After 24 hours of its administration, it will be excreted in the cat's urine.
What is the best medication for cats with diarrhea?
Learn more in our article about giardia in cats. Metronidazole is often used for cats with diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
How many parts of metronidazole can you divide?
To be more precise, these tablets have two lines that allow you to divide it into 2-4 equal parts. You can also choose metronidazole in syrup form or injection.
What drugs interact with metronidazole?
These include certain chemotherapy drugs, gastroprotectants, cyclosporine, phenobarbital, phytoin, and warafarin.
Can cats take metronidazole?
Metronidazole cannot be given to cats with liver or kidney problems or those who have previously had an allergic reaction to this drug. In addition, its use is not recommended for cats that are in the gestation period, since the studies carried out so far have been contradictory.
Can metronidazole cause vomiting in cats?
There is always a small chance that your cat will experience certain side effects of metronidazole. These may include vomiting, liver and neurological disorders (such as lack of coordination or a decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cells).