Drug	Typical Dosing

Metronidazole Flagyl^® Generics available Pregnancy: B; Lactation: Unsafe Tabs: 250 mg 500 mg Caps: 375 mg Tabs, Extended Release (ER): 750 mg	Children: Amebic infection: 35-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses three times daily (max 2250 mg/day). Other infections: 15-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses 3 or 4 times daily (max 4 g/day). Adult: 7.5 mg/kg every 6 hours (max 4 g/day). Usual dose 250-500 mg PO every 6 hours. Food: Administer on empty stomach. May take with food if GI upset occurs. Important side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste in mouth, headache, psychotic reactions, darkening of urine, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, disulfiram-like reaction with ethanol. No alcohol. No need to adjust dose in renal disease. Reduce dose in patients with liver disease. Drug interactions may be significant, especially: Ethanol, warfarin, phenytoin, barbiturates, disulfiram, and lithium.
Metronidazole Gel MetroGel-Vaginal^® Pregnancy: B; Lactation: Unsafe Gel, vaginal 0.75%: 70-g tube with applicator	Adult: Insert one applicator intravaginally once or twice daily for 5 days. For once-daily application, administer at bedtime. Avoid contact with eye(s). Do not engage in vaginal intercourse while using this product. Important side effects: Candidal vaginitis, vaginal irritation, headache, dizziness, bad taste, disulfiram-like reaction with ethanol.
Metronidazole Topical MetroGel^®, MetroLotion^®, Noritate^® Pregnancy: B; Lactation: Unsafe Lotion 0.75% Cream 1% Gel 0.75%	Adult: Apply a thin film to the affected area twice daily after washing. Avoid contact with eye(s). May apply cosmetics over metronidazole. Therapeutic effect should be seen within 3 weeks. Important side effects: Generally well tolerated. May cause transient stinging or burning. Use with caution in patients taking oral anticoagulants; may require adjustment of anticoagulant dose.