Metronidazole (for Invasive Disease)
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial agent with highly effective activity against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. For invasive amoebic diseases, it acts directly against tissue trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica.
Dosage by Body Weight
Standard pediatric dose for invasive amoebiasis is 35 to 50 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses for 5 to 10 days. Give with food. Avoid alcohol during and up to 48 hours after completion of therapy to prevent a disulfiram-like reaction.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Consult pediatrician
- Frequency
- As directed by physician
- Tracking Notes
- Not routinely recommended without specialist calculation; closely monitor for toxicity.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 75 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Administer with food to reduce gastric irritation.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 2.5 mL of 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 3.75 mL of 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Can use 5 mL of 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension or one 200 mg tablet.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Consult pediatrician | As directed by physician | Not routinely recommended without specialist calculation; closely monitor for toxicity. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg to 75 mg | 3 times daily | Administer with food to reduce gastric irritation. |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg | 3 times daily | Equivalent to 2.5 mL of 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension. |
| 11-15 kg | 150 mg | 3 times daily | Equivalent to 3.75 mL of 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension. |
| 16-20 kg | 200 mg | 3 times daily | Can use 5 mL of 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension or one 200 mg tablet. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of invasive amoebiasis (such as amoebic dysentery or amoebic liver abscess), giardiasis, and severe anaerobic bacterial infections.
Generic Name
MetronidazoleBranded Drug Names
Metronidazole (for Invasive Disease) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.