Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Metronidazole (Pfizer (Perth)) TM

Active ingredients: metronidazole

What it is used for

INDICATIONS AS AT 12 DECEMBER 2001: Treatment of severe anaerobic infection when oral medication is not possible or is contraindicated, when immediate antianaerobic therapy is required. Metronidazole may be used prophylactically to prevent infection of the surgical site which may have been contaminated or potentially contaminated with anaerobic organisms. Procedures in which this may be assumed to have happened include appendicectomy, colonic surgery, vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal surgery in the presence of anaerobes in the peritoneal cavity and surgery performed in the presence of anaerobic septicaemia.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Clear, almost colourless to pale yellow solution

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient metronidazole

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.