Metrocare Flavour Tablets for Cats and Dogs
Target species
Dogs and cats
Indications for use, specifying the target species
Treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections caused by Giardia spp. and Clostridia spp. (i.e. C. perfringens or C. difficile).
Treatment of infections of the urogenital tract, oral cavity, throat and skin caused by obligate anaerobic bacteria (e.g. Clostridia spp.) susceptible to metronidazole.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of hepatic disorders. Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Special warnings for each target species
None.
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
Due to the likely variability (time, geographical) in the occurrence of metronidazole resistant bacteria, bacteriological sampling and susceptibility testing are recommended. Whenever possible, the product should only be used based on susceptibility testing. Official, national and regional antimicrobial policies should be taken into account when the veterinary medicinal product is used. In very rare cases, neurological signs may occur especially after prolonged treatment with metronidazole.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Metronidazole has confirmed mutagenic and genotoxic properties in laboratory animals as well as in humans. Metronidazole is a confirmed carcinogen in laboratory animals and has possible carcinogenic effects in humans. However, there is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of metronidazole. Metronidazole may be harmful for the unborn child. Impervious gloves should be worn during administration of the product to avoid skin and hand-to-mouth contact with the product. To avoid accidental ingestion, particularly by a child, unused part-tablets should be returned to the open blister space, inserted back into the outer packaging and kept in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the tablets. Metronidazole may cause hypersensitivity reactions. In case of known hypersensitivity to metronidazole, avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
The following adverse reactions may occur after administration of metronidazole:
vomiting, hepatotoxicity, neutropenia and neurological signs.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Studies in laboratory animals have shown inconsistent results with regard to teratogenic/embryotoxic effects of metronidazole. Therefore, use of this product during pregnancy is not recommended. Metronidazole is excreted in milk and use during lactation is therefore not recommended.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Metronidazole may have an inhibitory effect on the degradation of other drugs in the liver, such as phenytoin, cyclosporine and warfarin. Cimetidine may decrease the hepatic metabolism of metronidazole resulting in increased serum concentration of metronidazole. Phenobarbital may increase hepatic metabolism of metronidazole resulting in decreased serum concentration of metronidazole.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
For oral administration.
The recommended dose is 50 mg metronidazole per kg bodyweight per day, for 5-7 days. The daily dose may be divided equally for twice daily administration (i.e. 25 mg/kg bodyweight twice daily).
To ensure administration of the correct dosage, bodyweight should be determined as accurately as possible.
Bodyweight
Metrocare 250 mg Tablets (daily dose)
or
Metrocare 500 mg Tablets (daily dose)
1.25 kg
¼
2.5 kg
½
¼
3.75 kg
¾
5 kg
1
½
7.5 kg
1 ½
¾
10 kg
2
1
15 kg
3
1 ½
20 kg
4
2
25 kg
2 ½
30 kg
3
35 kg
3 ½
40 kg
4
Tablets can be divided into 2 or 4 equal parts to ensure accurate dosing. Place the tablet on a flat surface, with its scored side facing up and the convex (rounded) side facing the surface.
Halves: press down with your thumbs or fingers on both sides of the tablet.
Quarters: press down with your thumb or a finger in the middle of the tablet.
The remaining portion(s) should be given at the next administration(s).
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Adverse events are more likely to occur at doses and treatment durations in excess of the recommended treatment regimen. If neurological signs occur, treatment should be discontinued and the patient should be treated symptomatically.
Withdrawal period(s)
Not applicable.
Pharmacological particulars
Pharmacotherapeutic group: (nitro) imidazole derivatives
ATCvet code: QP51AA01
Pharmacodynamic properties
After metronidazole has penetrated the bacteria the molecule is reduced by the sensitive bacteria (anaerobe). The metabolites that are created have a toxic effect on the bacteria through binding to the bacterial DNA. In general metronidazole is bactericidal for sensitive bacteria in concentrations equal to or a little higher than the minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC).
Clinically metronidazole does not have any relevant effect on facultative anaerobes, obligate aerobes and microaerophilic bacteria.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
Metronidazole is immediately and well absorbed after oral administration. The peak plasma concentration, Cmax was reached in dogs at between 0.75 and 2 hours after dosing and in cats at between 0.33 and 2 hours after dosing. The average terminal half life was 6.35 hours in dogs and 6.21 hours in cats. Metronidazole penetrates well into the tissues and bodily fluids, such as saliva, milk, vaginal secretions and semen. Metronidazole is primarily metabolised in the liver. Within 24 hours after oral administration, 35-65% of the administered dose (metronidazole and the metabolites thereof) is excreted in the urine.
Pharmaceutical particulars
List of excipients
Cellulose, microcrystalline, Sodium starch glycolate (type a), Yeast extract, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Magnesium stearate
Major Incompatibilities
Not applicable
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 30 months
Special precautions for storage
Return any divided tablet to the blister and store protected from light.
Nature and composition of immediate packaging
PVC/Aluminium/Oriented polyamide /Aluminium blister packs. Cardboard box of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 25 or 50 blisters of 10 tablets giving pack sizes of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 250 or 500 tablets
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Special precautions for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from the use of such products
Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements
Sizes:
250mg
500mg
Shipping charges mainland GB zone1
| Value | Weight | Delivery Charge |
| Over £49.00 | Any Weight | FREE |
| Under £49.00 | No weight limit | £4.50 |
| Under £49.00 | Under 250 grams | £3.49 |
Most orders are despatched the same day and standard delivery is 3 to 5 working days from despatch. FAST Expedited options are available at extra cost - these usually arrive in 24-48hrs from dispatch but delays are possible during busy periods.
Postcodes outside of Zone 1 (including some areas within mainland UK) may incur extra carriage charges due to surcharges imposed by the couriers. These will be calculated on the website at the checkout.
NB: Orders placed with faster delivery must be placed before 13:00 to ensure same day dispatch (excluding weekends and bank holidays). Please also check on the product page that the items ordered show 'In Stock' otherwise your order will be delayed until the stock becomes available, which in most cases will only be 24hrs.
Estimated "Usually shipped in" information is shown against most products
Overseas orders
We no longer send goods outside of the UK.
Prescription Items
Prescription items will be sent on receipt of a legally valid signed and dated prescription.
Pick up
We offer a pickup service for orders placed over the phone.
Please ring us on 01833 641112 for more information.
Refrigerated Items
- Refrigerated lines Packaging Cost: Despatched with Woolcool Refrigerated Packaging for £7.50.
- Receipt Required: Someone must be available to receive the delivery. Woolcool packaging is designed for temperature-controlled goods, so parcels cannot be left unattended.
- Immediate Refrigeration: Upon receipt, refrigerate the contents immediately to ensure your food or medicine remains at the correct temperature.
- Failed Delivery Attempts: We are not responsible for the cost of replacements if a delivery attempt fails due to the absence of someone to receive it.
We want you to be completely satisfied with any purchase. If not any item* can be returned to us within 14 days of receipt for exchange or refund Please give us a ring for a returns number on 01833 641112 or alternatively email sales@hyperdrug.co.uk to obtain a returns number.
*Due to legal requirements medicines may not be returned except to correct an error in despatch or in response to an "official recall". If an item is believed to be faulty it should be returned for inspection and it may be necessary to forward it to the manufacturers for testing before replacements or refunds can be authorised. This does not infringe legal rights. Please contact our customer services for a "Returns Number" which must appear on the outside of the package or it will not be accepted. We advise customers to use an insured method of shipping and to retain proof of despatch. We may refuse returns on products specially obtained or manufactured to order. Items must be returned unsoiled and unused and sent adequately packed and carriage paid.