Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg

About Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg

Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg Uses

• Treats intestinal amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica
• Manages giardiasis, an infection of the small intestine
• Clears asymptomatic amoebic cyst carriage in the bowel
• Used as part of treatment for amoebic liver abscess

Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg Benefits

• Combines a luminal amoebicide with an antiprotozoal agent for wider coverage
• Targets parasites both in the bowel and in surrounding tissue
• Reduces the chance of relapse compared to single agent treatment
• Effective against mixed intestinal parasitic infections

What Experts Say

Diloxanide furoate is a luminal amoebicide that acts directly inside the bowel to kill Entamoeba histolytica cysts and trophozoites before they get the chance to invade the intestinal wall. Metronidazole works differently, entering the parasite's cells and damaging its DNA once activated inside the low oxygen environment typical of the gut.

Combining the two covers both stages of amoebic infection. Metronidazole clears active tissue invading infection responsible for symptoms like cramping and loose stools, while diloxanide furoate mops up any remaining cysts in the bowel that metronidazole alone does not reliably eliminate, lowering the chance of the infection returning weeks later.

This combination approach is standard practice in regions where amoebiasis and giardiasis are common, since relying on a single drug often leaves residual cyst carriage behind. Doctors typically confirm a full cure with a follow up stool examination after the course ends.

Drug Class

• Antiprotozoal / Amoebicide combination

Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg formula

• Diloxanide Furoate + Metronidazole

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg?

• Take with food to reduce stomach upset
• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
• Avoid alcohol throughout treatment and for two days after
• Take doses at evenly spaced times through the day

Drug Interactions

• Alcohol: Causes a disulfiram like reaction with flushing, nausea and rapid heartbeat.
• Warfarin: Metronidazole can increase the blood thinning effect, raising bleeding risk.
• Lithium: May raise lithium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Phenytoin and Phenobarbital: These can reduce metronidazole's effectiveness by speeding up its breakdown in the liver.
• Cimetidine: May slow metronidazole clearance, increasing blood levels and side effects.

Risks and warnings

• Alcohol interaction: Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least two days after finishing the course, as it can cause severe nausea and flushing.
• Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed and advised by a doctor, particularly in the first trimester.
• Liver impairment: Use with caution in patients with significant liver disease, since metronidazole is processed in the liver.
• Nerve effects: Prolonged or repeated courses may cause peripheral neuropathy, seen as numbness or tingling in the limbs.
• Blood disorders: Use with caution in patients with a history of blood disorders, as metronidazole can rarely affect blood cell counts.

Metric-DF Tablet 250mg / 200mg Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Abdominal cramps or bloating
• Diarrhea or flatulence
• Headache or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Darkened urine color
• Skin rash
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet with prolonged use

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep tablets in their original blister strip until use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use beyond the printed expiry date