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GENITO URINARY SYSTEM AND SEX HORMONES › GYNECOLOGICAL ANTIINFECTIVES AND ANTISEPTICS › ANTIINFECTIVES AND ANTISEPTICS, EXCL. COMBINATIONS WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS › Imidazole derivatives
metronidazole
G01AF01
Forms & Strengths
- Tablets: 250mg, 500mg
- Capsules: 375mg, 500mg
- Oral suspension: 50mg/5mL, 100mg/5mL
- IV solution: 5mg/mL, 100mg/mL
- Topical cream: 0.75%, 1%
- Topical gel: 0.75%, 1%
- Vaginal gel: 0.75%
Adult Dosing
- Amebiasis: 500-750mg tid for 5-10 days
- Trichomoniasis: 2g single dose or 250mg tid for 7 days
- Bacterial vaginosis: 500mg bid for 7 days
- Anaerobic infections: 500mg q8h for 7-14 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Amebiasis: 35-50mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses for 5-10 days
- Anaerobic infections: 30mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses for 7-14 days
- Giardiasis: 15-20mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses for 5-10 days
Indications
- Amebiasis
- Trichomoniasis
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Anaerobic infections
- Giardiasis
- Infections caused by susceptible organisms such as Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium
Mechanism of Action
- Interferes with DNA synthesis by damaging DNA
- Inhibits nucleic acid synthesis
- Active against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazoles
- Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester
- Breastfeeding
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Metallic taste
- Headache
- Dizziness
Drug Interactions
- Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect
- Lithium: increased lithium levels
- Phenytoin: increased phenytoin levels
- Cimetidine: increased metronidazole levels
- Alcohol: disulfiram-like reaction
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use