Metronidazole (Metronidazole)
Overview of Metronidazole
Metronidazole is a synthetic antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent that belongs to the nitroimidazole class. Metronidazole is effective therapy against protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amebiasis, and giardiasis. In addition, Metronidazole is one of the most effective drugs available against anaerobic bacterial infections. Metronidazole is also useful in treating Crohn's disease, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and rosacea. It initially was approved by the FDA in 1963 and is available in oral, parenteral, and topical formulations.Metronidazole is amebicidal, bactericidal, and trichomonicidal. Unionized Metronidazole is readily taken up by anaerobic organisms and cells. It acts selectively aganist anaerobic bacterias as only these bacteria are capabale to reduce it to its active form intracellularly. Reduced it then disrupts DNA's helical structure, thereby inhibiting bacterial nucleic acid synthesis. This eventually results in bacterial cell death.
Indication of Metronidazole
Metronidazole is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute dental infections, Acute ulcerative gingivitis, Amoebiasis, Anaerobic bacterial infection, Anaerobic infections, Dysentery, Giardiasis, Lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Protozoa infection, Schizophrenia and other psychoses, Surgical prophylaxis, Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, Trichomoniasis, Urogenital trichomoniasis, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Amoebic liver abscess, Bacterial vaginosis, Cancer, Clostridium difficile colitis, Crohn's disease, Dental infections, Helicobacter pylori infection.
Contraindication of Metronidazole
Metronidazole is contraindicated in conditions like Alcohol dependence,Blood dyscrasias,Neurosis,Seizures,Hypersensitivity,Liver damage.
Side Effects of Metronidazole
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Metronidazole, which give rise to further complications include Encephalopathy, Convulsions, Ataxia, Peripheral neuropathy, Neutropenia, Seizures, Depression, Headache, Dysarthria, Aseptic meningitis.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Metronidazole include Disorientation, Vomiting, Ataxia.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Metronidazole are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Palpitation, Insomnia, Dry mouth, Maculopapular rash, Rashes, Stomatitis, Urticaria, Pruritus, Dysuria, GI upset, Flushing, Phlebitis, Nausea and vomiting, Gynecomastia, Chest pain, Metallic taste, Paresthesias, Acute pancreatitis, Darkening of urine, Dry mouth, dizziness, Thrush, Weakness.
Precautions of Metronidazole
Metronidazole should be used with caution in patients with any allergy. Avoid use during pregnancy or lactation. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication as severe stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, headache and flushing can occur.