Selected Antimicrobial Information – Equine
Metronidazole [Equine]
Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Horses |
For susceptible infections |
|
| For clostridial enterocolitis in foals | 15mg/kg PO q8-12h; lower doses (10mg/kg PO or IV q12h) recommended for neonates (<14d old) (extra-label use) |
Brand Name(s)
Flagyl®
Background
Metronidazole is a bactericidal, concentration-dependent nitroimidazole antibiotic with a narrow spectrum of activity against anaerobes and also protozoa. It distributes widely through the body, including into the central nervous system. Elimination is via hepatic metabolism, and inactive metabolites are excreted in the urine.
Acceptable Uses
- Treatment of clostridial myositis/myonecrosis.
- Treatment of clostridial enterocolitis.
- As part of broad-spectrum coverage for treatment of polymicrobial infections with a suspected or culture-confirmed anaerobic component, such as pleuropneumonia or metritis.
- Topical treatment of thrush (Fusobacterium necrophorum).
Unacceptable Uses
- Aerobic infections.
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- Metronidazole 250mg tablets
- Metronidazole 500mg tablets
- Metronidazole 25mg/ml oral suspension
- Metronidazole 50mg/ml oral suspension
- Metronidazole 100mg/ml oral suspension
- Metronidazole 5mg/ml injectable suspension
Notes
- Higher doses have occasionally been linked to anorexia, ataxia, and depression.
