Suspected or confirmed anaerobic infections including intra-abdominal, biliary, central nervous system, Clostridium difficile, Giardia and pelvic infections.
Also used in Crohns disease, bacterial vaginosis, and hepatic encephalopathy
With prolonged therapy (>6wks) or if symptoms develop assess for peripheral/optic neuropathy
GI symptoms common- especially nausea/vomiting and metallic taste
Peripheral/optic neuropathy with extended therapy
Disulfiram-like reaction (severe vomiting)
Rare neurotoxicity including aseptic meningitis and encephalopathy
Ethanol- disulfiram-like reaction
Increases levels of cyclosporine, lithium, warfarin, and phenobarbital and phenytoin
Bacterial, protozoal and ameobic DNA is fragmented by reactive nitroso-imidazole radicals
Antimicrobial class: Nitroimidazole
Pregnancy category: B
Average serum half life: 10.0
Biliary penetration: Therapeutic
CSF penetration: Therapeutic
Lung penetration: Therapeutic
Urine penetration: Poor
Antimicrobials
