Flagyl Injection (Metronidazole Injection) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Flagyl Injection

Giardia Lamblia »

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis (gee-ar-die-a-sis with a soft "G") is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the parasite, Giardia intestinalis, also known as Giardia lamblia. It is the most common cause of parasitic gastrointestinal disease; it is estimated that up to 2.5 million cases of giardiasis occur each year in the U.S., and up to 20% of the world's population is chronically infected.

Giardia lamblia exists in two forms, an active form called a trophozoite, and an inactive form called a cyst. The active trophozoite attaches to the lining of the small intestine with a "sucker" and is responsible for causing the signs and symptoms of giardiasis. The trophozoite cannot live long outside of the body, therefore it cannot spread the infection to others. The inactive cyst, on the other hand, can exist for prolonged periods outside the body. When it is ingested, stomach acid activates the cyst, and the cyst develops in...

Read the Giardia Lamblia article »

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Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU®
(metronidazole injection) in Plastic Container

VIAFLEX Plus Container

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU® and other antibacterial drugs, Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU® should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

WARNING

Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and rats (see PRECAUTIONS). Its use, therefore, should be reserved for the conditions described in the Indications and Usage section below.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU®, is a parenteral dosage form of the synthetic antibacterial agent 1-(ß-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole.

Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU® in Plastic Container Structural Formula Illustration

Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU®, in 100 mL VIAFLEX Plus single dose plastic container, is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, iso-osmotic, buffered solution of 500 mg Metronidazole, USP, 790 mg Sodium Chloride, USP, 47.6 mg Dibasic Sodium Phosphate Dried, USP and 22.9 mg Citric Acid Anhydrous, USP. Metronidazole Injection, USP RTU® has an osmolarity of 310 mOsmol/L (calc) and a pH of 5.5 (4.5 to 7.0). Each container contains 14 mEq of sodium.

The plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinyl chloride plastic. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap in amounts insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the plastic container can leach out certain of its chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period, e.g., di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), up to 5 parts per million. However, the safety of the plastic has been confirmed in tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers as well as by tissue culture toxicity studies.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/22/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.