Does metronidazole help cats with diarrhea?

Does metronidazole help cats with diarrhea?

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.

Can metronidazole cause diarrhea in cats?

In both cats and dogs, the drug may also cause nausea and hyporexia. Pets taking metronidazole may eat less than usual or refuse meals altogether. Vomiting and diarrhea are also relatively common.

How long should cats take metronidazole?

Ideally, at least several months of metronidazole therapy is given once it is started. In some cats with severe disease long term consecutive use or one to two month cycles of treatment may be required. Side effects to metronidazole at this low dose are uncommon in cats.

What are the side effects of metronidazole in cats?

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.

Why do vets prescribe metronidazole?

Veterinarians use metronidazole as an off-label medication since it is not FDA-approved for dogs. Metronidazole is commonly prescribed to treat infections that cause diarrhea. It is also sometimes used to treat dental infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How do you know if metronidazole is working?

For some of the infections that metronidazole is used for, you may only begin to notice an improvement after a week. When using the cream or gel to treat rosacea, you may have to wait a few weeks before you see any improvement. It’s very important that you keep taking metronidazole until the course is finished.

Can metronidazole cause diarrhea?

Metronidazole side effects are notorious for causing an upset stomach and killing your appetite. For many people, the nausea — and even vomiting — can occur just from the bad taste. Heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea can occur, too.

What can I give my cat for diarrhea from antibiotics?

Generally, antibiotic induced diarrhea is due to the upset of the natural flora (good bacteria) in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Giving probiotics or yogurt with active cultures can help your pet’s stools get back to normal.

How long does cat Giardia last?

Once a cat is infected, there is a 1 to 2 week incubation period. After that time, the body can start to react, so the sooner medication is administered, the more quickly recovery can begin. In most cases it takes 3 to 5 days for the parasites to be cleared from the stool and 5 to 7 days for symptoms to resolve.

Should metronidazole be taken with food?

Metronidazole tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water, after you’ve eaten some food. Metronidazole liquid does not need to be taken after food. This medicine comes with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose.

Is 5 days of metronidazole enough?

Trichomoniasis is usually treated quickly and easily with antibiotics. Most people are prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole which is very effective if taken correctly. You’ll usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5 to 7 days. Sometimes this antibiotic can be prescribed in a single, larger dose.

Does metronidazole stop diarrhea?

Flagyl is used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, and amebic dysentery (infection of the colon causing bloody diarrhea), bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and carriers of trichomonas (both sexual partners) who do not have symptoms …

Is metronidazole safe for cats?

Metronidazole is available in tablet, cream and liquid suspension form. It has a bitter taste and you may need to use pill pockets to get your cat to ingest it. Generally this drug is safe for cats and has proved effective. As with any powerful drug, some cats may show side effects.

How much metronidazole for 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 and 25 mg/lb given by mouth is typical. Higher doses may be given once daily, while lower doses are generally given twice daily.

Is Flagyl effective for cats?

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.