Metronidazole
- Generic Name
- Metronidazole
- Brand Names
- Flagyl, Flagystatin, Likmez, Metrocream, Metrogel, Metrolotion, Nidagel, Noritate, Nuvessa, Pylera, Rosadan, Vandazole
- Drug Type
- Small Molecule
- Chemical Formula
- C6H9N3O3
- CAS Number
- 443-48-1
- Unique Ingredient Identifier
- 140QMO216E
Overview
Metronidazole is a commonly used antibiotic, belonging to the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics. It is frequently used to treat gastrointestinal infections as well as trichomoniasis and giardiasis, and amebiasis which are parasitic infections. Metronidazole has been used as an antibiotic for several decades, with added antiparasitic properties that set it apart from many other antibacterial drugs, allowing it to treat a wide variety of infections. It is available in capsule form, tablet form, and topical form, and suppository preparations for the treatment of various infections.
Background
Metronidazole is a commonly used antibiotic, belonging to the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics. It is frequently used to treat gastrointestinal infections as well as trichomoniasis and giardiasis, and amebiasis which are parasitic infections. Metronidazole has been used as an antibiotic for several decades, with added antiparasitic properties that set it apart from many other antibacterial drugs, allowing it to treat a wide variety of infections. It is available in capsule form, tablet form, and topical form, and suppository preparations for the treatment of various infections.
Indication
Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of confirmed trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (except for in the first trimester of pregnancy) and the patient's sexual partners, bacterial vaginosis, certain types of amebiasis, and various anaerobic infections. The above anaerobic infections may occur on the skin and skin structures, the abdomen, the heart, reproductive organs, central nervous system, and the respiratory system. Some may also be present in the bloodstream in cases of septicemia. Common infections treated by metronidazole are Bacteroides species infections, Clostridium infections, and Fusobacterium infections, as well as Peptococcus and Peptostreptococcus infections. Topical formulations of metronidazole are indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. It is also used off-label in the treatment of Crohn's disease, as a prophylactic agent after surgery, and in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. It has also been studied in the prevention of preterm births and to treat periodontal disease.
Associated Conditions
- Abscess Brain
- Abscess, Intra-Abdominal
- Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
- Bacterial Endocarditis
- Bacterial Peritonitis
- Bacterial Septicemia
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Balantidiasis
- Bone and Joint Infections
- Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections
- Empyema
- Endometritis
- Endomyometritis
- Facial Rosacea
- Giardiasis
- Gynecological Infection
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection
- Inflammatory Papule
- Inflammatory pustules
- Liver Abscess, Amebic
- Lower respiratory tract infection bacterial
- Lung Abscess
- Meningitis
- Mixed Vaginal Infections
- Mixed Vaginal Infections caused by Trichomonas Vaginalis, candida albicans
- Periodontitis
- Pneumonia
- Postoperative Infections
- Pouchitis
- Skin and skin structure infections
- Tetanus
- Trichomonas Vaginitis
- Tubo-ovarian abscess
- Vaginal Candidiasis
- Vaginitis Trichomonal
- Vulvovaginitis
- Acute Intestinal amebiasis
- Asymptomatic Trichomoniasis
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Hepatic abscess
- Intra-abdominal bacterial infections
- Post-surgical vaginal cuff infection
- Refractory Sinusitis
- Symptomatic Trichomoniasis
Research Report
Metronidazole: A Comprehensive Pharmacological and Clinical Review
I. Introduction
A. Overview
Metronidazole is a synthetic antimicrobial agent belonging to the nitroimidazole class, recognized for its potent activity against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa.[1] It has been a cornerstone of antimicrobial therapy for several decades, employed in the treatment of a diverse array of infections.[1] Its clinical applications span various body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, skin and soft tissues, central nervous system (CNS), and bloodstream, as well as specific parasitic diseases like trichomoniasis, amebiasis, and giardiasis.[1] Metronidazole functions as a prodrug, requiring activation under low-oxygen conditions, which confers selectivity towards anaerobic and microaerophilic microorganisms.[2]
B. Historical Context & Significance
Developed in the late 1950s, metronidazole initially gained prominence for treating Trichomonas vaginalis infections.[8] Its therapeutic spectrum rapidly expanded upon discovery of its efficacy against anaerobic bacteria. Metronidazole has maintained its clinical relevance over many years, remaining a first-line or essential component of treatment regimens for numerous conditions.[8] Its distinctive profile, combining potent antibacterial effects against anaerobes with significant antiparasitic activity, sets it apart from many other antimicrobial agents and allows for its broad utility.[1]
C. Scope of Report
Clinical Trials
FDA Approved Products
Singapore Approved Products
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