Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with meals or a snack. If stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea) continues, check with your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times during the day. If you need help planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

If you cannot swallow the tablet, it may be crushed in artificial cherry syrup. Shake this mixture well before drinking.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For amebic liver abscess:
      • Adults—2 grams (g) once a day for 3 to 5 days.
      • Children older than 3 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day (up to 2 g per day) for 3 to 5 days.
      • Children 3 years of age and younger—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For bacterial vaginosis:
      • Adults— 2 grams (g) once a day for 2 days or 1 g once a day for 5 days.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For giardiasis:
      • Adults—2 grams (g) given as a single dose.
      • Children older than 3 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight (up to 2 g) given as a single dose.
      • Children 3 years of age and younger—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For intestinal amebiasis:
      • Adults—2 grams (g) once a day for 3 days.
      • Children older than 3 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day (up to 2 g per day) for 3 days.
      • Children 3 years of age and younger—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For trichomoniasis:
      • Adults— 2 grams (g) given once as a single dose.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

You may store the oral liquid (crushed tablets in artificial cherry syrup) at room temperature up to 7 days.