My cat has giardia. Is one-dose secnidazole safe for treatment?

Question

My cat was diagnosed with giardias. It is very difficult to give my cat the medicine (twice a day for 10 days on both treatments we tried). I have read about a medicine called secnidazole that its 1 dose treatment (30mg per kilo) . I asked two vets about it but they told me they don't use that medicine here in Lima Peru. I found that medicine at the drugstore, I was wondering if it is safe for me to give her the medicine in the recommeded dosis. Thank you in avance for your time. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 3 years and 7 months old | 8.82 lbs

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA · Accepted Answer

It's not a medication that we use in the United States. I could not find a lot of information on its use in cats. In humans, side effects of this medication include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is closely related to metronidazole, which is a medication that needs daily dosing. Overdoses of metronidazole can cause seizures and other neurologic symptoms. Since I haven't examined Kiki, it is illegal for me to give a dose of any medication for her. You might talk to your vet about other options for treating the giardia. Some medications can be compounded into other formulations, like a cat treat.

My cat has giardia. Is one-dose secnidazole safe for treatment?

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