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.
Tablet and Suspension:
Trichomoniasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
- 200 mg tid or 400 mg bid for 7 days
- 800 mg in the morning and 1-2 gm at night for 2 days
- 2 gm as a single dose for 1 days
Trichomoniasis (Children)-
- Children 7-10 yrs: 100 mg tid
- Children 3-7 yrs: 100 mg bid
- Children 1-3 yrs: 50 mg tid
Intestinal amoebiasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
Intestinal amoebiasis (Children)-
- Children 7-10 yrs: 400 mg tid
- Children 3-7 yrs: 200 mg qid
- Children 1-3 yrs: 200 mg tid
Extra-intestinal & Asymptomatic amoebiasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
- 400-800 mg tid for 5-10 days
Extra-intestinal & Asymptomatic amoebiasis (Children)-
- Children 7-10 yrs: 200-400 mg tid
- Children 3-7 yrs: 100-200 mg qid
- Children 1-3 yrs: 100-200 mg tid
Giardiasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
- 2 gm once daily for 3 days
Giardiasis (Children)-
- Children 7-10 yrs: 1 gm once daily
- Children 3-7 yrs: 600-800 mg once daily
- Children 1-3 yrs: 500 mg once daily
Acute ulcerative gingivitis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
Acute ulcerative gingivitis (Children)-
- Children 7-10 yrs: 100 mg tid
- Children 3-7 yrs: 100 mg bid
- Children 1-3 yrs: 50 mg tid
Acute dental infections (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
Bacterial Vaginosis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
- 400 mg bid for 7 days
- 2 gm as a single dose for 1 days
Leg ulcers and pressure sores (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
Anaerobic infections (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
- 800 mg initially and then 400 mg tid for 7 days
Anaerobic infections (Children)-
- Children 1-10 yrs: 7.5 mg/kg tid
Surgical prophylaxis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
- 400 mg tid started 24 hours before surgery for 1 days
Surgical prophylaxis (Children)-
- Children 1-10 yrs: 7.5 mg/kg tid
Vaginal Gel:
The recommended dose is one applicator full of Metronidazole gel (approximately 5 grams containing approximately 37.5 mg of Metronidazole) intravaginally once or twice a day for 5 days. For once a day dosing, Metronidazole gel should be administered at bedtime.
Suppository:
Anaerobic Infections-
- Adults: 1 g every 8 hours for 3 days, then 1 g every 12 hours.
- Children: 5-10 years: 500 mg every 8 hours for 3 days, then every 12 hours, Over 10 years adult dose.
Surgical Prophylaxis-
- Adults: 1 g 2 hours before surgery; up to 3 further doses of 1 g may be given every 8 hours for high risk procedures.
- Children: 5-10 years: 500 mg 2 hours before surgery; up to 3 further doses of 500 mg may be given every 8 hours for high risk procedures.
IV Infusion:
Metronidazole intravenous infusion requires no dilution and should not be mixed with any other drugs prior to administration.
- Adults and children over 12 years: Infuse 500 mg 8 hourly at a rate of 5 ml/minute and a maximum of 4 g should not be exceeded during a 24-hour period. Treatment for 7 days is sufficient for most patients, but treatment can be extended, especially for cases where reinfection is likely. For surgical prophylaxis, administration shortly before surgery should be followed by 8-hourly doses for the next 24 hours.
- Children under 12 years: 7.5 mg/kg body weight/day every 8 hours at a rate of 5 ml/minute.
Metronidazole is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Metronidazole or other Nitroimidazole derivatives.
Metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, rashes may be observed during treatment.
US FDA Pregnancy Category of Metronidazole is B. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Metronidazole have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Metronidazole is administered to a nursing woman.
Single oral doses of metronidazole, up to 12 g have been reported in suicide attempts and accidental overdoses. Symptoms were limited to vomiting, ataxia and slight disorientation. There is no specific antidote for metronidazole overdosages. In case of suspected massive overdosages, a symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted.
Store below 30°C. Keep protected from light. Keep medicines out of the reach of children. Do not use later than the date of expiry.
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