Metronidazole

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Dental infections
Infected human/animal bites
Aspiration pneumonia
Eradication of H.pylori in combination with PPIs and either amoxicillin and clarithromycin

Intraabdominal infection and pelvic inflammatory disease

Protozoal infections- trichomonal vaginal infection, amoebic dysentery, and giardiasis.

C.difficile when IV treatment is required

Question 2

What is the spectrum of it?

Answer 2

Anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.

Question 3

How do they work?

Answer 3

It reduces synthesis of DNA and causing cell death

Question 4

What are the side effects of these drugs?

Answer 4

GI upset- nausea, vomiting, metallic taste

Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions

Peripheral and optic neuropathy

Seizures

encephalopathy

Question 5

What are the warnings of this drug?

Answer 5

Dose should be reduced in severe liver disease

Avoid alcohol as metronidazole inhibits an enzyme which breaks alcohol down- can cause flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting when given together

Question 6

What interactions occur with this drug?

Answer 6

It can inhibit CYP enzymes reducing metabolism of warfarin and phenytoin

CYP inducers increase metronidazole metabolism

Lithium toxicity