Question 1

What is Metronidazole used for?

Accepted Answer

Metronidazole is indicated for: Amoebic infections, Anaerobe, Anaerobic infections, C. difficile colitis, Clostridial colitis, Clostridial enterotoxemia adjunct, Clostridial infections, Colitis (large bowel diarrhea), dental abscess, Dental/periodontal infections (anaerobic component), Diarrhea (acute, non-specific), Entamoeba invadens, flagellate protozoal infections, Giardia, Hepatic encephalopathy adjunct, IBD, Inflammatory bowel disease, peritonitis, Severe anaerobic infections, Trichomonas/flagellate infections, trichomoniasis.

Question 2

What routes can Metronidazole be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, IV.

Question 3

Which species have cited Metronidazole dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Metronidazole dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 10 species: African Grey Parrot, African Pygmy Hedgehog, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Chinchilla, Dog (Domestic), Guinea Pig, Horse (Equine), Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Metronidazole a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Metronidazole is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Metronidazole?

Accepted Answer

Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Metronidazole?

Accepted Answer

Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.

Question 7

How does Metronidazole work?

Accepted Answer

Disrupts DNA structure in anaerobic organisms via reduction of nitro group, forming cytotoxic intermediates.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	10–15 mg/kg	q12h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	IV	10–15 mg/kg	q12h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Metronidazole

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Metronidazole dosing data (48 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 48 dose rules

Backed by 5 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 48 cited rules)

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