Name: Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Class: Nitroimidazole derivative
Mech.: Inhib. DNA synth, degrades DNA, e- acceptor for reduced substrates.
Absorption: Complete, quick oral absorption.
Distribution: Well distrib to all tissues and fluids (including CSF)
Metab.: Hepatic metab.
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: GI, metallic taste, neurotox (vertigo), disulfiram-like effect w/alcohol, neutropenia. Not for first trimester preg (mutagenic). Not for patients w/active CNS disease or hist. of blood dyscrasias.
Utility: IV treatment of anaerobic infects. Oral for amebiasis, giardiasis, and genital infects of Trichomonas vaginalis.
Special Features: Antiparasitic and antibacterial activity. All anaerobic cocci and anaerobic gram- bacilli, including Bacteriodes. Trichomonasis, amebiasis, giardiasis.