Module 9 14 Metronidazole Flashcards
Question
Answer
What is the primary use of metronidazole (Flagyl)?
Metronidazole is used to treat protozoal infections and infections caused by obligate anaerobic bacteria.
What is the focus of this summary regarding metronidazole?
This summary primarily focuses on metronidazole’s antibacterial applications.
Which type of microorganisms are specifically targeted by metronidazole?
Metronidazole is lethal to anaerobic organisms only.
What must happen for metronidazole to exert its bactericidal effects?
Metronidazole must be taken up by cells and converted into its active form.
Which microorganisms can perform the conversion of metronidazole into its active form?
Only anaerobic bacteria can perform this conversion.
What is the mechanism by which metronidazole exerts its lethal effects on microorganisms?
The active form of metronidazole interacts with DNA, causing strand breakage and loss of helical structure. This inhibits nucleic acid synthesis and ultimately leads to cell death.
Why are aerobic bacteria insensitive to metronidazole?
Aerobic bacteria cannot activate metronidazole, making them insensitive to the drug.
Which type of microorganisms are susceptible to the antibacterial effects of metronidazole?
Metronidazole is active against obligate anaerobes only.
Can you name some of the bacterial pathogens that are sensitive to metronidazole?
Sensitive bacterial pathogens include Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium difficile, Fusobacterium species, Gardnerella vaginalis, Peptococcus species, and Peptostreptococcus species.
What types of bacterial infections is metronidazole active against?
Metronidazole is active against anaerobic bacterial infections involving the CNS, abdominal organs, bones and joints, skin and soft tissues, and the genitourinary tract.
Why might metronidazole be used in combination therapy for these infections?
In many cases, these infections also involve aerobic bacteria, necessitating combination therapy with other antibiotics.
What is one specific use of metronidazole in treating bacterial infections?
Metronidazole is used to treat C. difficile infection.
In which surgical procedures is metronidazole used for prophylaxis to prevent anaerobic infections?
Metronidazole is used in surgical procedures associated with a high risk for anaerobic infections, such as colorectal surgery, abdominal surgery, and gynecologic surgery.
How is metronidazole used in combination with other drugs to treat peptic ulcer disease?
Metronidazole is part of a combination regimen with a tetracycline and bismuth subsalicylate to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in individuals with peptic ulcer disease.
