Diarrhea Medications – by Fitz Usmany
Other than Flagyl, these medications only help with diarrhea or loose stools when it is caused by parasites or protozoa sensitive to the medicine. Metronidazole does help with most diarrhea because it soothes the bowel, but that is only treating the symptom and not the cause. It’s also not recommended for kittens. Another med to treat symptoms is Endosorb, but I don’t always find that helps. If the diarrhea is bacterial, I find Biosol does a good job at curing that, usually almost immediately.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an antibiotic, antiprotozoal, and has anti-inflammatory effects in the bowel. It is used for protozoal infections such as giardia or entamoeba, and for bacterial infections. It is also used for inflammatory bowel disease, colitis caused by other antibiotics, and diarrhea of undetermined cause. It is tolerated better when given with food. The dosage for treatment of giardia is 5-11 mg/lb (10-20 mg/kg) orally twice a day for 10 days. Because giardia can be persistent I would give it for 10 days, stop for 5-7 days, then give it again for another 10 days. Metronidazole causes birth defects and should not be given to pregnant animals. It is also excreted in breast milk so should not be given to lactating females. It should also not be given to kittens. This is not the most effective medication for giardia.
Dosage for Strongid: 9 mg/lb (20 mg/kg) once, then repeat in 7 days. I always give a third dose in 7 more days, as recommended by my vet. Using the Strongid from Revival (Pyrantel Pamoate 250mg/5ml): Give 0.2 ml per pound (0.4 mL/kg).
Panacur: Efficacy is increased when given with food. Dosage is 23mg/lb (50 mg/kg). If treating roundworms, give this dose for three days in a row. If treating for giardia, give this dose daily for 14 days, stop for one week, and repeat for 14 more days. Using the Panacur granules from Revival: Mix one packet with 10ml water. Give 0.2 mL/lb (0.4 mL/kg).