Metronidazole – Nitroimidazole Antimicrobials – Antiprotozoal

Introduction

Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine sold under the trade names Flagyl, Metrozine, Gramex and others. It’s used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, endocarditis, and bacterial vaginosis, either alone or in combination with other antibiotics. Dracunculiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, and amebiasis are also treated with it.
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole that is also used to treat rosacea inflammatory lesions, bacterial infections, and surgical infections.

Class of Medicine
Metronidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole antimicrobials class of drugs. It works by preventing bacteria from growing.

Mode of Action
The nitroimidazole class includes metronidazole. It disrupts the DNA of microbial cells by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis by producing nitroso radicals. This activity is only activated when metronidazole is partially reduced, and because this reduction occurs mostly in anaerobic bacteria and protozoans, it has only a minor impact on human cells and aerobic microorganisms.

How should this medicine be used?
After you’ve eaten some food, consume metronidazole tablets whole with a drink of water. It is not necessary to take metronidazole liquid after eating. To help you measure out the proper quantity, this medicine comes with a plastic syringe or spoon. If you don’t have one, you can get one from your pharmacist.

Common Side Effects

Dizziness

Headache

Stomach upset
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Constipation

Important Warning

In persons with Cockayne syndrome, metronidazole can induce life-threatening liver issues.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)
Flagyl
Metrozine
Gramex