Metronidazole

• Mechanism of Action
• Broken down into its active form selectively by anaerobic and protozoal cells. Binds to and disrupts DNA, resulting in DNA degradation and cell death.
• • Microbiology
  • Good anaerobic cover (e.g. Clostridium spp, Bacteroides fragilis), with additional activity against protozoa such as Trichomonas vagilanis, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Clinical Use

• • Indications
  • Anaerobic and protozoal infections:
  • Bacteria - intra-abdominal sepsis, Clostridium difficile diarrhoea, bacterial vaginosis
  • Protozoa - giardiasis, amoebiasis, trichomoniasis
• • Adverse Effects
  • Disulfuram-like effect (severe ‘hangover’ with alcohol)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Headache