Here’s the detailed profile for Metronidazole Oral Liquid 200 mg/5 mL (pediatric formulation) 👇
💊 Metronidazole Oral Liquid 200 mg/5 mL
📘 Description:
- Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial agent with both antiprotozoal and antibacterial action.
- Mechanism: Inside susceptible protozoa and anaerobic bacteria, the nitro group is reduced → reactive metabolites bind DNA → inhibit nucleic acid synthesis → cell death.
- This oral suspension provides a pediatric-friendly formulation for children and patients unable to swallow tablets.
📄 Prescription / Indications:
Protozoal Infections:
- Amoebiasis (intestinal & hepatic)
- Giardiasis
- Trichomoniasis
Anaerobic Bacterial Infections:
- Dental & oral infections (gingivitis, periodontitis, dental abscess)
- Respiratory tract infections due to anaerobes
- Intra-abdominal infections (peritonitis, abscess)
- Septicemia, gynecological infections (in selected cases)
Other Uses:
- Bacterial vaginosis (in older children/adolescents)
- Clostridioides difficile colitis (alternative if standard options unavailable)
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Antiprotozoal & Antibacterial
- Nitroimidazole derivative
- Active against anaerobic bacteria & protozoa
✅ Advantages:
- Liquid form allows accurate pediatric dosing by body weight
- Broad activity against both protozoa and anaerobes
- Good absorption and wide tissue distribution (including CNS & liver)
- Useful alternative when tablets not suitable (children/elderly)
⚠️ Precautions:
Contraindications:
- Known hypersensitivity to metronidazole
- First trimester pregnancy (for mothers)
- Neonates <1 month (use with caution)
Cautions:
- Hepatic impairment → dose adjustment required
- Avoid alcohol (risk of disulfiram-like reaction: nausea, flushing, tachycardia)
- Prolonged use → monitor for neuropathy
Adverse Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Metallic taste, dry mouth
- Headache, dizziness
- Dark-colored urine (harmless)
- Rare: seizures, peripheral neuropathy, severe allergic skin reactions
📦 Common Packaging:
- Bottle of 60 mL / 100 mL with dosing spoon/syringe
- Concentration: 200 mg per 5 mL suspension
❄️ Storage Conditions:
- Store at room temperature (<25°C)
- Protect from light & moisture
- Shake bottle well before each use
- Keep tightly closed & out of children’s reach