Antimicrobials
Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Low
Excellent

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Suspected or confirmed anaerobic infections including:

  • Intra-abdominal
  • Biliary
  • Central nervous system
  • Clostridium difficile
  • Giardia
  • Pelvic infections

Also used in:

  • Crohns disease
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Hepatic encephalopathy

Assess for peripheral/optic neuropathy with prolonged therapy (>6wks) or if symptoms develop

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
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin

Bacterial, protozoal and ameobic DNA is fragmented by reactive nitroso-imidazole radicals

Antimicrobial class: Nitroimidazole

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 10 hours

Urine penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic