Crushing Metronidazole Tablets for Administration

Evidence and Administration Guidelines

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends that metronidazole tablets can be crushed for administration, particularly when treating Giardia lamblia infections 1
For nasogastric/gastric feeding tube administration, crushed metronidazole tablets can be suspended in water and administered immediately 2, 3
Standard metronidazole tablets do not have properties that would be compromised by crushing, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1

Crushed metronidazole tablets should be suspended in water for administration through gastric tubes (not jejunal tubes) to ensure proper absorption 2, 3
The tube should be flushed before and after administration with at least 30 mL of water to prevent tube obstruction, as recommended by Clinical Nutrition 4
For patients with feeding tubes, pharmacist consultation is recommended to ensure appropriate administration technique, according to Clinical Nutrition 4

For patients who cannot take crushed tablets, the Infectious Diseases Society of America suggests considering metronidazole oral suspension (if available, may need to be compounded) 1