sparkynugget84 replied: "Basic Information Metronidazole is an antibiotic which is commonly used to treat protozoal infections and anaerobic bacterial infections. It also has anti-inflammatory effects in the bowel. Metronidazole is bactericidal; it kills bacterial microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. It is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract, metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine and the feces. Because metronidazole only has activity against anaerobic bacteria, it is commonly used with other antibiotics when it is used to treat mixed bacterial infections. It is compatible with many other antibiotics including penicillin antibiotics, aminoglycosides, and some cephalosporins. Dogs and Cats Metronidazole is used to treat protozoal infections in cats and dogs including Giardia, Entamoeba, Trichomonas, and Balantidium. It is also used to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. Metronidazole has immune modulating activity and may be prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. It may be used to treat colitis caused by other antibiotics, periodontal disease (especially in cats), Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemia, tetanus, diarrhea of undetermined cause, pancreatic insufficiency (with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and complications of severe liver disease. Metronidazole may be used with corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, or gum disease (gingivitis/stomatitis) in cats. Topical metronidazole gel is used in the treatment of skin infections, such as feline chin acne. Metronidazole is usually tolerated better if given with food and there are a wide variety of flavors and preparations made by compounding pharmacies in order to deal with the problems associated with the bitter taste. Because of the variety of uses for this drug, dose amount, frequency and duration of treatment vary widely. Side Effects • Most common: clinical signs related to the bad taste, or GI upset. • Dogs and cats: excessive salivation, gagging, regurgitation, pawing at the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite are the most frequent complaints. Less common or rare side effects include diarrhea, depression, lethargy, weakness, low white blood cell count, liver failure, and blood in the urine, or dark urine due to pigment changes. Neurologic signs may be seen after accidental overdose or, more commonly, with long-term moderate to high-dose therapy as in the treatment of difficult bacterial infections. Signs often begin 7 to 12 days following the start of treatment. • Horses: side effects are not commonly associated with metronidazole. The major problem with using this drug is its bad taste. Many horses stop eating when this drug is mixed with feed and a reliable method of administration must be found. Precautions • Metronidazole causes birth defects in laboratory animals. It should be avoided in pregnant animals, especially in the first trimester. Some metronidazole is excreted in breast milk, and it should not be used in lactating animals. • Metronidazole should not be used in young puppies and kittens. • Metronidazole should be avoided or used with caution, at reduced doses, in animals with kidney or liver disease. Drug Interactions • Metronidazole is reported to elevate prothrombin time in animals on warfarin or other coumarin anticoagulants. • Cimetidine can interfere with the liver's ability to break down metronidazole and the dose may have to be reduced. • Phenobarbital and phenytoin may increase the metabolism of metronidazole. Overdose • Dogs and cats: Symptoms of overdose of metronidazole include the gastrointestinal signs (anorexia, vomiting) and neurologic signs including depression, ataxia, disorientation, head-tilt, tremors, bradycardia, rigidity, stiffness, and seizures. Neurologic signs may occur due to acute overdose although they are more commonly seen in animals that are on long-term moderate or high doses (oral doses greater than 66 mg/kg/day). Signs of chronic toxicity often begin 7-12 days following the start of treatment. After the drug is discontinued, it may be several days to two weeks before these neurologic signs begin to diminish."

mywatchisslow replied: "sounds weird, but take a salt bath (even regular table salt will do). will take away the itching quick. honest. eat a few yogurts a day to balance you out. give it a shot. For the rest you need to see your doc, sorry your having such a rough time."