Description
Therapeutic action
– Antiprotozoal, antibacterial (group of nitroimidazoles)
Indications
– Amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis
– Bacterial vaginitis, infections due to anaerobic bacteria (e.g. Clostridium sp, Bacteroides sp, etc.)
Presentation
– 250 mg and 500 mg tablets
– 200 mg/5 ml oral suspension
Dosage and duration
– Amoebiasis
Child: 45 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses
Adult: 500 to 800 mg 3 times daily
The treatment lasts 5 days in intestinal amoebiasis and 5 to 10 days in hepatic amoebiasis.
–giardiasis
Child: 30 mg/kg once daily for 3 days
Adult: 2 g once daily for 3 days
–Trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginitis
Adult: 2 g as a single dose
In the event of trichomoniasis, also treat sexual partner.
–Infections due to anaerobic bacteria
Child: 30 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses
Adult: 500 mg 3 times daily
According to indication, metronidazole may be used in combination with other anti bacterials; treatment
duration depends on indication.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
– Do not administer to patients with hypersensitivity to metronidazole or another nitro imidazole
(tinidazole, secnidazole, etc.).
– May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances; rarely: allergic reactions, brownish urine, headache, dizziness.
Risk of antabuse reaction when combined with alcohol.
– Administer with caution in patients taking oral anticoagulants (risk of haemorrhage), lithium, phenytoin,
ergometrine (increased plasma concentrations of these drugs).
– Reduce total daily dose to
⅓ and give once daily to patients with severe hepatic impairment.
–Pregnancy: no contra-indication; divide into smaller doses, avoid prolonged use.
–Breast-feeding: significantly excreted in milk (risk of gastrointestinal disturbances in breastfed infants);
divide into smaller doses, avoid prolonged use.
Remarks
–Storage: below 25°C –
For the oral suspension: follow manufacturer’s instructions
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