Antimicrobials
Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Low
Complete (100%)

Spectrum of Activity

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