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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.


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