Here is the Wiki definition for metronidazole and what it is used for :-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronidazole
What would we do without Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronidazole
What would we do without Wikipedia
I know this is a very old thread but I was looking for help with a cat who's recently started spitting up/drooling out most of her metronidazole, and saw this thread. I had no idea it was supposed to be given on a full stomach and I've been giving it to her first thing in the morning. Poor baby, she probably hates me. I'll try feeding her first and then administering. This site has been a life saver, thanks for the tips.Metronidazole (aka Flagyl) is a staple in my house, it ranks right on up there with food and litter as a necessity. 2 of my girls have IBD and need to take it on occasion so I keep it handy.
I'm not at all surprised your kitty vomited in the car after taking it. I'm guessing it went down on an empty stomach, then the car ride after being at the vets (think motion sickness on top of stress)..........I think I'd throw up, too. Seriously, though, this drug is notorious for causing stomach upset and lack of appetite; it tastes very, very bitter & if kitty gets the slightest taste of it in her mouth, she is guaranteed to foam & salivate like nothing you've ever seen. You've got to be really, really quick & good at pilling a cat to get these down them without them ever tasting it. I give the pills, but I've been pilling mine for 7 years and have just gotten the hang of it. My first few tries pilling Gabby with Flagyl were a nightmare........and on rare occasions, if I don't get that pill just right on the back of her tongue, it'll still happen. All of that being said, it's a great antibiotic.......does the trick 9 times out of 10 with mine.
Always, always give it on a full stomach. If you've already been giving it & she doesn't want to eat, you may need to skip a dose or two until she's eating again, then re-start--only giving it when you're sure she has eaten. Also, double check with your vet about getting it compunded to one of the flavored liquids--might be easier. If, despite giving it on a full stomach, she still seems too sick or lethargic, check with your vet. It can cause lethargy, but it's always a good idea to ask if the cat seems sicker on the drugs than she was with the original problem. Good Luck...
I can relate, Raven. I've had cats before but not had to give meds before so it's been a learning curve to figure out what does and doesn't work.Wow - this makes me feel a lot better. My new cat has juvenile gingivitis, and they gave me Flagyl (metronidazole) and Clindamycin for it. My version does need to be refrigerated. I've had so many difficulties getting Iris to take her medication. I tried doing it the way my vet showed me (holding by the scruff), but that didn't work. I tried wrapping her in a towel, and that worked twice, but the third time I tried, she scratched me so badly I had to let her go. That was after the Clinda, so I still had to give her the Flagyl. I managed to get her again and put her on the floor. I used my legs to support her back and used my left (non-dominant) hand to lift up her mouth. I got it in.
Since then, I've used that same procedure twice more without getting scratched and able to get all of the medicine down. I had no idea this medication was that horrible (in terms of taste/ease of administering, not effectiveness!), so I feel a lot better about my difficulties.
The gelcap idea sounds good, but I don't know if I could get all the needed liquid into a gelcap, and I'm also not sure about how to give a pill (this is my first cat and the first time I've given a medication to one).