Metronidazole
Brands Names: Flagyl, Metryl
- Form of administration: Pills or suspension
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Why is the drug here:
Antibiotic treatment used to treat bacteria and parasites, very important in pediatric as well as in adult medicine.
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Purpose of treatment:
To cover anaerobic bacteria or different parasites, for example: Giardia lamblia.
- Ingredients: An antibiotic named Metronidazole.
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How to use:
Suspension (or tablet, in those that are able to swallow pills). The dose differs depending on the indication for treatment and weight of the child. The maximum dosage allowed is 500 milligrams, 3 times a day (or 1.5 grams per day).
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Benefits:
A unique antibiotic that can also be used to treat a number of different parasites. Most of the time, when Metronidazole is prescribed it is because a specific infection is suspected that requires this specific treatment with in particular.
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Side Effects:
Theoretically – there are many different side effects. In addition to the common allergic reactions (such as rash and fever which requires one to stop the medication immediately and refer to their physician), the major side effects are related to the fact that, to begin with, this antibiotic is given with the intention to destroy anaerobic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. But, as it does so, it destroys many of the good bacteria, as well. It can cause nausea and abdominal pain.
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Another word from the doctor:
A pediatrician will never turn around and start prescribing Metronidazole randomly. This is the type of antibiotic that is important since it is the only option available in certain infections. Most of these infections are gastrointestinal, and you can read about them here.