Metronidazole(me troe ni’ da zole)
Apo-Metronidazole (CAN), Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl ER, MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroGel-Vaginal, MetroLotion, NidaGel (CAN), Noritate, Protostat, Vandazole
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Amebicide
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Antiprotozoal
Therapeutic Actions
Bactericidal: Inhibits DNA synthesis in specific (obligate) anaerobes, causing cell death; antiprotozoal-trichomonacidal, amebicidal: Biochemical mechanism of action is not known.
Indications
Acute infection with susceptible anaerobic bacteria
Acute intestinal amebiasis
Amebic liver abscess
Trichomoniasis (acute and partners of patients with acute infection)
Bacterial vaginosis
Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative prophylaxis for patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Topical application: Treatment of inflammatory papules, pustules, and erythema of rosacea
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to metronidazole; pregnancy (do not use for trichomoniasis in first trimester).
Use cautiously with CNS diseases, hepatic disease, candidiasis (moniliasis), blood dyscrasias, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—250, 500 mg; ER tablets—750 mg; capsules—375 mg; injection—500 mg/100 mL; lotion, cream, gel—0.75%; cream, gel—1%; vaginal gel—0.75%
Dosages
Adults
Oral
Amebiasis: 750 mg PO tid for 5–10 days. (In amebic dysentery, combine with iodo-quinol 650 mg PO tid for 20 days.)
Antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis: 1–2 g/day PO in 3–4 divided doses for 7–10 days.
Gardnerella vaginalis: 500 mg PO bid for 7 days.
Giardiasis: 250 mg PO tid for 7 days.
Trichomoniasis: 2 g PO in 1 day (1-day treatment) or 250 mg PO tid for 7 days.
Bacterial vaginosis: Nonpregnant women: 750 mg PO daily for 7 days.
Pregnant women: 750 mg PO once daily for 7 days; avoid treatment in the first trimester.
IV
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