Metronidazole I V

Indication

Metronidazole  500 IV is indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of infections in which anaerobic bacteria have been identified. It is indicated in:

1.The prevention of postoperative infections due to anaerobic bacteria

2.The treatment of septicemia, bacteraemia, peritonitis, brain abscess, necrotizing pneumonia, osteomyelitis, puerperal sepsis, pelvic abscess, pelvic cellulites, and post operative wound infections from which pathogenic anaerobes have been isolated.

Dosage & Administration

 Metronidazole  500 IV should be infused intravenously at an

approximate rate of 5 ml/min. Oral medication should be substituted as soon as feasible. Treatment for 7 days should be satisfactory for most patients, but the physician might decide to prolong treatment.

For bacterial infections:

Adults: 500 mg (100 ml) 8 hourly.

Children: 7.5 mg/kg (1.5 ml/kg) 8 hourly.

For treatment before and during surgery:

Adults: 500 mg (100 ml) shortly before operation, repeated 8 hourly

Children: 7.5 mg/kg (1.5 ml/kg) 8 hourly.

Side Effect

Pain, tenderness, redness or swelling over vein in which the medicine is

given. Other side Effects are unsteadiness, fever or chills, sore throat, headache, numbness, tingling pain or weakness in the hands or feet, pain, seizures, skin itching, unusual tiredness or weakness, vaginal irritation or discharge.

Drug Interaction

 Metronidazole shows drug interaction with the following:

alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages, barbiturates, carbamazepin, cimetidine, disulfiram, fluorouracil, lithium, methadone, phenytoin, warfarin etc.

Use in pregnancy & lactation

Studies have not been done in humans. Metronidazole has not been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies; however, use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. Use is not recommended in nursing mothers since metronidazole passes into the breast milk.

Precaution

Metronodazole should be given with caution in the following conditions- anemia or other blood disorders, liver disease, disease of nervous system, seizures etc.

Preparation

 100 ml solution of Metronidazole for intravenous infusion.