Generic
Metronidazole
Indications
Metronidazole is indicated in the treatment of following diseases: The prevention of post-operative infections due to anaerobic bacteria (particularly species of bacteroides and anaerobic streptococci). The treatment of septicaemia, bacteraemia, peritonitis, brain abscess, pelvic abscess, pelvic cellulitis and post-operative wound infections caused by anaerobes. In the treatment of urogenital trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis (also known as non-specific vaginitis). All forms of amoebiasis (intestinal, extra-intestinal disease and that of symptomless cyst passers). Giardiasis. Acute ulcerative gingivitis. Anaerobically infected leg ulcers and pressure sores. Acute dental infections due to anaerobic organisms. Antibiotic associated pseudomembranus colitis.
Contraindications
Metronidazole is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Metronidazole or other Nitroimidazole derivatives.
Side Effects
Metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, rashes may be observed during treatment.
Pregnancy And Lactation
US FDA Pregnancy Category of Metronidazole is B. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Metronidazole have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Metronidazole is administered to a nursing woman.
Therapeutic
If for compelling reasons, metronidazole must be administered longer than the usually recommended duration, it is recommended that hematological tests, especially leucocyte count should be carried out regularly and that patients should be monitored for adverse reactions such as peripheral or central neuropathy (such as paresthesia, ataxia, dizziness, convulsive seizures). Metronidazole should be administered with caution to patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Patients should be warned that metronidazole may darken urine.
Storage Conditions
Hepatic impairment: Metronidazole is mainly metabolised by hepatic oxidation. Substantial impairment of metronidazole clearance may occur in the presence of advanced hepatic insufficiency. Significant cumulation may occur in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and the resulting high plasma concentrations of metronidazole may contribute to the symptoms of the encephalopathy. Metronidazole should therefore, be administered with caution to patients with hepatic encephalopathy. The daily dosage should be reduced to one third and may be administered once daily. Patients should be warned that metronidazole may darken urine. Renal impairment: The elimination half-life of metronidazole remains unchanged in the presence of renal failure. The dosage of metronidazole therefore needs no reduction. Such patients however retain the metabolites of metronidazole. The clinical significance of this is not known at present. In patients undergoing haemodialysis metronidazole and metabolites are efficiently removed during an eight hour period of dialysis. Metronidazole should therefore be re-administered immediately after haemodialysis. No routine adjustment in the dosage of Metronidazole need be made in patients with renal failure undergoing intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IDP) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Over The Counter Products
