Adult
Metronidazole
Warning
General Information
Nitroimidazole antibiotic
Tablets, injection and suppositories are Formulary antimicrobials: Use in accordance with Trust guidelines
Liquid is a Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary
AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Access'. Use as per guidelines.
For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
Standard dose
|
|
Oral dose |
Intravenous dose* |
|
Standard dose |
400mg TDS |
500mg TDS |
* Only to be given via the IV route if nil-by-mouth or not absorbing.
Obesity
No dose adjustment required.
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
- No dose adjustment required.
- HD/HDF/High Flux: Dialysed; give after dialysis.
- PD: Not dialysed.
Hepatic impairment:
- Mild impairment (Child-Pugh Class A) and Moderate impairment (Child-Pugh Class B): No dose adjustment required.
- Severe impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) and/or hepatic encephalopathy: The dose of metronidazole should be reduced. Discuss with pharmacy
References
- Auribindo Pharma – Milpharm Ltd. Metronidazole 400mg tablets summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text 17/4/25. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 26/3/26.
- Baxter Healthcare Ltd. Metronidazole 500mg/100ml Intravenous Infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text 13/12/23. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 26/3/26.
- British National Formulary. Metronidazole. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 26/3/26.
- The Renal Drug Database. Metronidazole. Last updated 13/11/24. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 26/3/26.
- Sanford guide [online]. Metronidazole. Last updated 23/3/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 26/3/26.