Metronidazole can be given via oral and parenteral routes.The drug is completely absorbed from the small intestine after oral administration, only small quantity of unabsorbed drug reaches the colon. Metronidazole is widely distributed in the body and reaches high concentration in vaginal secretion, saliva, semen and CSF. Metronidazole is metabolised in the liver through oxidation and glucuronide conjugation. The plasma t1/2 is about 8 hrs.

Metronidazole is given for treatment of protozoal infections like amoebiasis, giardiasis and trichomonas vaginitis. It is also used in the treatment of anaerobic infection, ulcerative gingivitis, trench mouth, guinea worm infestation.

Routes of Administration and Dosage

Oral:200-800 mgs three times daily. Parenteral: 15 mg/kg infused over 1 hour, followed by 7.5 mg/kg every 6 hours.

Contra Indications

Metronidazole is contraindicated in blood dyscrasias, hypersensitivity, certain serious neurological diseases, alcohol, severe hepatic failure, pregnancy especially during the first trimester and lactation.

Precautions

Precaution has to be taken in last two trimesters of pregnancy and in renal impairment.

Interactions

Patients taking anticoagulants with Metronidazole may have an increased chance of bleeding. Patients taking Disulfiram with Metronidazole may have an increase in adverse effects affecting the central nervous system. When the drug is taken along with alcohol disufuram like reaction occurs. Metronidazole decrease the renal elimination of lithium.

Brand Names

Aldezol IV(Albert David), Aldezole (Albert David), Anaerid S.I.V(Mount Mettur), Angyl(Euphoric), Antamebin(Raptakos), Aristogyl(Aristo), Compeba(IDPL), Flagyl(Rhone-Poulenc), Flagyl I.V(Rhone-Poulenc), Glucogyl(Mount Mettur), IV metro(Torrent), Metrogyl(Unique), Metron(Alkem), Metron I.V(Alkem), Metronidazole I.V(Core), Monizole(PCI), Pdzole-D (Parenteral Drugs), Rogyl(Medopharma), Unimezol(Unichem).

Pharmacokinetics | Indications | Routes of Administration and Dosage | Contra Indications | Precautions | Interactions | Brand Names

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