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Meds A-Z

Metronidazole

Detailed information about Metronidazole

Official label facts Owner quick guide first Marketing clearly labeled
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Pet Owner Quick Guide

Start here: what this medicine is for, what it does, and when it's usually needed.

Usually used for:

For the treatment of Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs.

What it does:

Antibiotic/antiprotozoal used for certain GI infections and inflammation.

When it's needed:

Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing.

Call your vet sooner if you notice:

  • Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing.

Commonly reported reactions:

  • (2 reports)
  • (2 reports)
  • (2 reports)

What to ask your vet today:

  • Is this medicine the right fit for my pet’s current symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should call back right away?
  • How should I handle missed doses or refusal to take the medicine?
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Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Drug type: Generic ingredient • Branded profile FDA branded products available

Species: Both

Manufacturer: MSK

Quick Facts

Official label facts first, then secondary summaries. Marketing content is separated below.

Species: Both
Manufacturer: MSK
Form: Suspension
Identifiers:
NADA: 141572 NDC Package: 17163-015-16 NDC Package: 17163-016-17 NDC Package: 43457-537-25 NDC Package: 46144-602-01 NDC Package: 51311-034-10 NDC Package: 51311-034-30 NDC Package: 53745-016-01 NDC Package: 53745-016-02 NDC Package: 55999-081-12 NDC Package: 55999-081-15 NDC Package: 55999-081-18 NDC Package: 55999-081-56 NDC Package: 55999-081-57 NDC Package: 62157-529-01 NDC Package: 63732-2047-9 NDC Package: 73309-199-01 NDC Package: 86184-255-01 NDC Product: 17163 NDC Product: 43457
Source metadata:

Warnings / Contraindications

Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing.

  • High: Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing.
Source metadata:

Adverse Reactions

Snapshot first, detailed rows second. This section summarizes signal data and is not a diagnosis.

Tap or hover a reaction to see what it means in plain language.

Tracked signals
32
Reported cases
32
Serious reports
13
Species represented
2
Most Reported Reactions
Reaction Cases Species Serious cases
2 Cat, Dog 1
2 Cat, Dog 1
2 Cat, Dog 1
1 Dog 1
1 Dog 1
1 Dog 1
1 Dog 1
1 Dog 1

Species coverage: Dog (18) Cat (14)

View detailed reaction table
Reaction Species Seriousness Frequency Reports
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Source metadata:

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature.

Source metadata: No source yet.

Documents

Official label facts are separated from secondary summaries.

Official documents: 2 • Secondary summaries: 0

Official label facts
Secondary summaries

No source yet.

Promotional Materials (Marketing)

This content is marketing material and not clinical guidance.

No marketing assets are linked yet.

No source yet.

Source metadata: No source yet.
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Technical appendix (vet reference)

Canonical medication sections are above. This legacy block remains available for deeper cross-reference without cluttering the primary workflow.

At a Glance

Quick facts and links to official labeling and safety signals.

Data freshness
  • Medication catalog: Source PetWisePlus | Refreshed Feb 12, 2026, 7:40 PM UTC
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 16, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC
    Applications/products are imported from FDA export data.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA previews: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:05 AM UTC
    Label highlights/doc links are fetched from FDA preview endpoints.
  • Animal Drug Product Listing Directory (NDC): Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 16, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC
    Package/product NDCs from FDA’s electronic listing directory (XLS).
  • openFDA reaction terms: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Feb 16, 2026, 11:02 AM UTC
  • openFDA case summaries: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:19 AM UTC
Official (FDA)
Identity: Generic ingredient • FDA branded products available
Official FDA brands: AYRADIA™
Case-reported brands (openFDA): MSK
Catalog species: Both FDA-labeled species: Dog
Rx/OTC: RX
Form/route: Suspension Oral
Applications: NADA 141-572
Documents: 1 (FOI: 1) • SPL: 1 Label highlights Official documents
Safety (openFDA)
Top reactions: Dog 56 Cat 56 View
Case summaries: 10 (showing 8) View
openFDA reports are unverified and do not prove causation.

Diagnosis Codes

Diagnosis-code mappings are not available for this medication yet.

Counseling and Monitoring Highlights

Global Pet owner/Vet mode is controlled in the header. This section avoids duplicate in-page persona tabs.

Owner-facing counseling points
  • Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing. (Contraindication, High)
Top reaction signals
Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Abnormal ultrasound finding (1) Agitation (1) Ataxia (1) Ataxia (1) Barking (1) Behavioural disorder NOS (1) Circling - behavioural disorder (see also Neurological disorders) (1) Cognitive disorder NOS (1) Death by euthanasia (1) Decreased appetite (1) Decreased haematocrit (1) Diarrhoea (1) Diarrhoea (1) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (1) Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (1)

Identifiers & Packages

Normalized identifiers (NDC/NADA/ANADA) and package metadata from regulator listings.

Identifiers
NADA: 141572 NDC Package: 17163-015-16 NDC Package: 17163-016-17 NDC Package: 43457-537-25 NDC Package: 46144-602-01 NDC Package: 51311-034-10 NDC Package: 51311-034-30 NDC Package: 53745-016-01 NDC Package: 53745-016-02 NDC Package: 55999-081-12 NDC Package: 55999-081-15 NDC Package: 55999-081-18 NDC Package: 55999-081-56 NDC Package: 55999-081-57 NDC Package: 62157-529-01 NDC Package: 63732-2047-9 NDC Package: 73309-199-01 NDC Package: 86184-255-01 NDC Product: 17163 NDC Product: 43457 NDC Product: 46144 NDC Product: 51311 NDC Product: 53745 NDC Product: 55999
Package NDC Product NDC Form / Route Status
17163-015-16 17163 -
17163-016-17 17163 -
43457-537-25 43457 -
46144-602-01 46144 -
51311-034-10 51311 -
51311-034-30 51311 -
53745-016-01 53745 -
53745-016-02 53745 -
55999-081-12 55999 -
55999-081-15 55999 -
55999-081-18 55999 -
55999-081-56 55999 -
55999-081-57 55999 -
62157-529-01 62157 -
63732-2047-9 63732 -
73309-199-01 73309 -
86184-255-01 86184 -

Enriched Documents

Documents are tiered by source trust: Official, Clinical, Manufacturer, Marketing.

Data Sources & Revision History

Every non-trivial field is expected to include provenance and update timestamps.

Official 4 Clinical 1 Manufacturer 0 Marketing 0
Current Field Facts
  • storage_handling: Store at room temperature. (Clinical, 2026-02-12)
  • contraindications: Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing. (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • side_effects: GI upset. High doses can cause neurologic signs (ataxia, tremors). (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • usage: Antibiotic/antiprotozoal used for certain GI infections and inflammation. (Official, 2026-02-12)
Recent Revisions
  • side_effects updated 2026-02-12 19:40 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • contraindications updated 2026-02-12 19:40 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • usage updated 2026-02-12 19:40 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields

FDA Products & Applications (Animal Drugs @ FDA)

Official sponsor/proprietary-name/application-status records linked by active ingredient.

Product Sponsor Application Status Published
AYRADIA™
RX
Metronidazole
Suspension Oral
Virbac AH, Inc. NADA 141-572 Approved Mar 26, 2024

Data source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA (public search export).

What It's For (FDA Label Highlights)

Extracted from FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA product labeling. Always confirm details with your veterinarian.

Species: Dog, No Use Class Stated Or Implied
Composition / specifications
125 mg/mL
Dogs
Indication

For the treatment of Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs.

Dosage

25 mg/kg (11.3 mg/lb) of body weight, using the supplied syringe, twice daily for five consecutive days

Limitations

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Official Documents (FDA)

Direct links to FDA-hosted PDFs and SPL packages (when available).

Documents
SPL Packages

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Usage

Antibiotic/antiprotozoal used for certain GI infections and inflammation.

Source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA • Reference

Contraindications

Use caution with liver disease. Avoid overdosing.

Side Effects

GI upset. High doses can cause neurologic signs (ataxia, tremors).

Source: FDA openFDA • Reference

Top Reported Reactions (openFDA)

Aggregated reaction terms from FDA openFDA reports (not verified; does not prove causation).

Dog
Digestive
Vomiting (653) Diarrhea (650) Loss of appetite (249) Diarrhea (11) Diarrhea (11) Diarrhea (11) Diarrhea (11) Vomiting (11) Vomiting (11) Vomiting (11) Vomiting (11) Diarrhea (10) Diarrhea (10) Vomiting (10) Vomiting (9) Bloody diarrhoea (4) Bloody diarrhoea (4) Bloody diarrhoea (4) Bloody diarrhoea (4) Bloody diarrhoea (3) Bloody diarrhoea (3)
Neurologic
Tiredness (lethargy) (354) Tiredness (lethargy) (7) Tiredness (lethargy) (7) Tiredness (lethargy) (7) Tiredness (lethargy) (7) Tiredness (lethargy) (5) Tiredness (lethargy) (5)
Behavior
Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (4) Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (4) Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (4) Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (4) Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (3) Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (3)
Effectiveness
Lack of efficacy - NOS (5) Lack of efficacy - NOS (5) Lack of efficacy - NOS (5) Lack of efficacy - NOS (5) Lack of efficacy - NOS (5) Lack of efficacy - NOS (5)
Other
Death by euthanasia (255) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (231) Not eating (226) Other abnormal test result NOS (223) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (4) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (4) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (4) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (4) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (4) Elevated alanine aminotransferase (4) Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (4) Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (4) Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (4) Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (4) Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (4) Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (4)
Cat
Digestive
Diarrhea (89) Vomiting (47) Diarrhea (1) Diarrhea (1) Diarrhea (1) Diarrhea (1) Diarrhea (1) Diarrhea (1)
Neurologic
Tiredness (lethargy) (33) Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1) Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1) Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1) Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1) Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1) Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1)
Behavior
Behavioral disorder (unspecified) (19)
Effectiveness
Lack of efficacy - NOS (2) Lack of efficacy - NOS (2) Lack of efficacy - NOS (2) Lack of efficacy - NOS (2) Lack of efficacy - NOS (2) Lack of efficacy - NOS (2)
Other
Weight loss (43) Death by euthanasia (25) Not eating (25) Dehydration (18) Not drinking (2) Not drinking (2) Not drinking (2) Not drinking (2) Not drinking (2) Not drinking (2) Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Abnormal radiograph finding (1) Enlarged pupils (1) Enlarged pupils (1) Enlarged pupils (1) Enlarged pupils (1) Enlarged pupils (1) Enlarged pupils (1) Eye disorder NOS (1) Eye disorder NOS (1) Eye disorder NOS (1) Eye disorder NOS (1) Eye disorder NOS (1) Eye disorder NOS (1) Hiding (1) Hiding (1) Hiding (1) Hiding (1) Hiding (1) Hiding (1)

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Adverse Event Case Summaries (openFDA)

These are individual FDA adverse event reports. They are unverified and do not prove the medication caused the reaction.

Dog, Shar Pei, Female, 5 year, 16.23 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Neuromuscular disorder NOS, Unsteady gait, Nystagmus, Circling - behavioural disorder, Not himself/herself • Outcome: Recovered/Normal

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055976
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 5.00 Year
  • Weight: 16.230 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Neuromuscular disorder NOS Unsteady gait Nystagmus Circling - behavioural disorder Not himself/herself
Outcomes: Recovered/Normal

Dog, Crossbred Canine/dog, Female, 10.75 year, 31.7 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Walking difficulty, Weakness • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-054932
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 10.75 Year
  • Weight: 31.700 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Walking difficulty Weakness
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, Terrier - Bull - American Pit, Male, 14 year, 24.494 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unassigned, Unknown • Reactions: Stiff gait, Cognitive disorder NOS, Malaise, Vomiting, Diarrhea… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055236
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 14.00 Year
  • Weight: 24.494 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Unassigned
Reactions Reported:
Stiff gait Cognitive disorder NOS Malaise Vomiting Diarrhea Hind limb paresis Unable to stand Unable to walk Proprioception deficit Tremors Fever Unsteady walking (ataxia) Behavioral disorder (unspecified)
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Domestic Mediumhair, Female, 13 year, 2.858 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Oral • Reactions: Tiredness (lethargy), Unresponsive to stimuli, Not eating, Not drinking, Hiding… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055801
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 13.00 Year
  • Weight: 2.858 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Oral
Reactions Reported:
Tiredness (lethargy) Unresponsive to stimuli Not eating Not drinking Hiding Unsteady walking (ataxia) Abnormal radiograph finding Hypothermia Tympanic opacity Weight loss Malaise Muscle weakness NOS Intentional misuse Lack of efficacy - NOS
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, Terrier - Bull, Male, 10 year, 32.38 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Elevated alanine aminotransferase, Diarrhea, Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase, Abnormal ultrasound finding… • Outcome: Euthanized

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-054535
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 10.00 Year
  • Weight: 32.380 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Elevated alanine aminotransferase Diarrhea Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase Abnormal ultrasound finding Tarry or black stool Partial anorexia Decreased haematocrit Death by euthanasia
Outcomes: Euthanized

Dog, ['Mountain Dog - Bernese', 'Poodle (unspecified)'], Female, 6.5 month, 3.7 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unassigned, Unknown • Reactions: Sleepiness - systemic disorder, Barking, Inappropriate urination, Agitation, Decreased appetite • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055655
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 6.50 Month
  • Weight: 3.700 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Unassigned
Reactions Reported:
Sleepiness - systemic disorder Barking Inappropriate urination Agitation Decreased appetite
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Female, 11 year, 2.33 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Lack of efficacy - NOS, Ketosis • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-053010
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 11.00 Year
  • Weight: 2.330 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Lack of efficacy - NOS Ketosis
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Domestic Longhair, Male, 12 year, 6.44 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Diarrhea, Itching • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-054223
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 12.00 Year
  • Weight: 6.440 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Diarrhea Itching
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Overdose Information

No approved overdose-management text is linked yet. If overdose is suspected, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature.

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