Fish Zole

Fish Zole exerts a bacterial action on gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria.

Metronidazole

Trade and Other Names

Flagyl; many brands available

Drug Class

Antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiprotozoal

Mechanism of Action and Clinical Use

Disrupts DNA in organism via reaction with intracellular metabolite. Action is specific for anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Resistance is rare. Active against some protozoa, including Giardia organisms; however, other drugs such as fenbendazole have been used for Giardia infection.

Instructions for Use

Metronidazole is one of the most commonly used drugs for anaerobic infections. It is effective for giardiasis; other drugs used for Giardia infection include albendazole, fenbendazole, and quinacrine. Maximum dose that should be administered is 50-65 mg/kg,q24h, in any species. Tablets have been broken or crushed for oral administration to cats; however, cats find these unpalatable.

Small Animal Dosage Information

Anaerobic Infection:

Dogs: 15 mg/kg,q12h, PO; or 12 mg/kg, q8h, PO.

Cats: 10-25 mg/kg, q24h, PO.