Metronidazole chemical structure
Find information on thousands of medical conditions and prescription drugs.

Flagyl

Metronidazole (INN) (IPA: ) is an nitroimidazole antibiotic drug used in the treamtent of infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. It is marketed by Sanofi-Aventis under the trade name Flagyl, and also by various generic manufacturers. Metronidazole is also used in the treament of the dermatological condition rosacea, where it is marketed by Galderma under the trade name Rozex. more...

Home
Diseases
Medicines
A
B
C
D
E
F
Captagon
Famohexal
Famotidine
Faslodex
Faslodex
Fasoracetam
Felbamate
Felbatol
Felodipine
Felypressin
Femara
Femara
Fempatch
Femring
Fenfluramine
Fenofibrate
Fentanyl
Fexofenadine
Filgrastim
Filipin
Finasteride
Fioricet
Fiorinal
Flagyl
Flarex
Flavoxate
Flecainide
Flexeril
Flomax
Flonase
Flovent
Floxuridine
Fluacizine
Flucloxacillin
Fluconazole
Flucytosine
Fludarabine
Fludrocortisone
Flumazenil
Flunisolide
Flunitrazepam
Fluocinonide
Fluohexal
Fluorometholone
Fluorouracil
Fluoxetine
Fluphenazine
Flurazepam
Flutamide
Fluticasone
Fluvastatin
Fluvoxamine
FML
Focalin
Folic acid
Follutein
Fomepizole
Formoterol
Fortamet
Fortovase
Fosamax
Fosinopril
Fosinoprilat
Fosmidomycin
Fosphenytoin
Frova
Frovatriptan
Frusehexal
Fulvestrant
Fumagillin
Furazolidone
Furosemide
Furoxone
Fusafungine
Fusidic acid
Fuzeon
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Mode of action

Within anaerobic bacteria and sensitive protozoal cells, the nitro group of metronidazole is chemically reduced by ferredoxin (or ferredoxin-linked metabolic process). The reduction products appear to be responsible for killing the organisms by reacting with various intracellular macromolecules by interfering with DNA synthesis.

Indications

Systemic metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of:

  • Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobic bacterial infections, e.g. Bacillus fragilis
  • Protozoal infections, e.g. giardiasis, trichomoniasis
  • Pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile)
  • Dental infections, including acute gingivitis
  • Intra-abdominal infections
  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Lung abscess
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Amoebiasis (intestinal and extra-intestinal)
  • Surgical prophylaxis
  • Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (as part of a multi-drug regimen)

(Rossi, 2006)

Topical metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of rosacea, and has been used in the treatment of malodorous fungating wounds. (Rossi, 2006)

Prevention of preterm births

Metronidazole has also been used in women to prevent preterm birth associated with bacterial vaginosis, amongst other risk factors including the presence of cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN). A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that metronidazole was ineffective in preventing preterm delivery in high-risk pregnant women and, conversely, the incidence of preterm delivery was actually higher in women treated with metronidazole. (Shennan et al., 2006)

Adverse effects

Common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with systemic metronidazole therapy include: nausea, diarrhoea, and/or metallic taste. Intravenous administration is commonly associated with thrombophlebitis. Infrequent ADRs include: hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itch, flushing, fever), headache, dizziness, vomiting, glossitis, stomatitis, dark urine, and/or paraesthesia. (Rossi, 2006)

High doses and/or long-term systemic treatment with metronidazole is associated with the development of furry black tongue, leukopenia, neutropenia, increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and/or CNS toxicity. (Rossi, 2006)

Common ADRs associated with topical metronidazole therapy include local redness, dryness, and/or skin irritation; and eye watering (if applied near eyes). (Rossi, 2006)

Interaction with ethanol

Co-administration of metronidazole and ethanol (alcohol) results, rarely, in a disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, flushing, tachycardia). Consumption of alcohol should be avoided by patients during systemic metronidazole therapy and for at least 24 hours after completion of treatment. (Rossi, 2006) However, the occurrence of this reaction in the clinical setting has recently been questioned by some authors. (Williams & Woodcock, 2000; Visapaa et al., 2002)

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]



Clinical quiz
Clinical Quiz questions are based on selected articles in this issue of American Family Physician. Answers appear in this issue. AFP has been reviewed ...
Liver Abscess - A Case Study
Liver has a unique spectrum of unctions, and is intricately linked to the other organs. An abnormality of the liver has great impact on every system of ...
From the pharmacy
X Glaucoma Alert: Many drugs can worsen-or even triggerglaucoma. Some antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, antihistamines, over-the-counter cold ...
Does milk thistle increase hepatic clearance of drugs?
A common misconception concerning milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is that, since it is a liver herb, it is likely to increase the metabolism and clearance ...
Diary: from a week in practice
Monday Competitive sports can bring out the best in people, but once in a while, athletics also bring to light something unexpected. "This is ...
Clinical quiz
Clinical Quiz questions are based on selected articles in this issue of American Family Physician. Answers appear in this issue. AFP has been reviewed ...
Clostridium difficile—associated diarrhea
Clostridium difficile infection is responsible for approximately 3 million cases of diarrhea and colitis annually in the United States. The mortality ...
Clinical quiz
Clinical is for one year Quiz questions are based on selected articles in this issue of American Family Physician. Answers appear in this issue. AFP ...

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links ebay