Antimicrobials
Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Low
Excellent (90 to 100%)
See Additional Information

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Suspected or confirmed anaerobic infections including:

  • Intra-abdominal

  • Biliary

  • Central nervous system

  • Clostridium difficile

  • Giardia

  • Pelvic infections

  • Pulmonary infections

Also used in:

  • Crohns disease

  • Bacterial vaginosis

  • Assess for peripheral/optic neuropathy with prolonged therapy 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:
    • Lithium
    • Warfarin
    • Phenobarbital
    • Phenytoin

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

Cost:

  • PO: $0.31/Dose; $3.10/5 Days
  • IV: $2.66/Dose; $26.60/5 Days

Antimicrobial class: Nitroimidazole

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 10 hours

Urine penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic