This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Metronidazole

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that acts on anaerobes. The active form of the drug is a reduced derivative; it appears that this is produced intracellularly only at low redox values - i.e. only in anaerobes. It acts by inducing strand breakages in the DNA.

Cautions:

  • DISULFIRAM-LIKE REACTION WITH ALCOHOL
  • hepatic impairment
  • pregnancy and breast feeding

Contra-indications:

  • porphyria

Side-effects:

  • nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal disturbances
  • drowsiness
  • headaches
  • rashes
  • leucopenia
  • darkens urine
  • peripheral neuropathy with prolonged treatment
  • dizziness
  • ataxia
  • transient epileptiform seizures with high doses

Routes of administration:

  • Oral: - tablets - suspension
  • per rectum
  • i.v. infusion

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.