Metronidazole and Furazolidone

Amoebicide · Nitrofuran derivative/Nitroimidazole

Indications

Diarrhoea and dysentery of all types including amoebic types.

Dosage

SUSPENSION: Children: Under 1 yr, 1/2 tsp; 1-4 yr, 1 tsp; 5 yr and over, 2 tsp. All 4 times daily. Neonates, not recommended. TABLETS: Adults: 1 tab 3 times daily.

Adverse Effects

METRONIDAZOLE: GI upset, dysgeusia, leucopenia, urticaria, angioedema, CNS disturbances, dark urine. Neuropathy and epileptiform seizures on long term therapy. Severe bullous skin reactions.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: METRONIDAZOLE: Hepatic impairment or hepatic encephalopathy. Haemodialysis. Active or chronic severe peripheral and CNS disease. Treatment duration exceeding 10 days; clinical and laboratory monitoring recommended. Cockayne syndrome; monitor LFTs before, during and after treatment.

Interactions

METRONIDAZOLE: Alcohol, anticoagulants, phenobarbital, lithium, phenytoin.

Pharmacokinetics

METRONIDAZOLE: Absorption: Oral: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic (30% to 60%). Half-life elimination: Neonates <7 days: Within first week of life, more prolonged than with lower GA: GA 28 to 30 weeks: 75.3 ± 16.9 hours. GA 32 to 35 weeks: 35.4 ± 1.5 hours. GA 36 to 40 weeks: 24.8 ± 1.6 hours. Neonates =7 days: Approx. 22.5 hours. Children and Adolescents: 6 to 10 hours. Adults: Approx. 8 hours. Time to peak, serum: Oral: Immediate release: 1 to 2 hours; Extended release: Approx. 5 hours. Excretion: Urine (unchanged drug and metabolites: 60% to 80%; approx. 20% of total as unchanged drug); feces (6% to 15%). FURAZOLIDONE: Absorption: Oral: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Rapid and extensive. Half-life elimination: 10 mins. Excretion: Urine (>65%). Faeces.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.