3. Mechanism of Action
Undergoes intracellular chemical reduction during
anaerobic metabolism. After metronidazole is
reduced, it damages DNA’s helical structure and
breaks its strands, which inhibits bacterial nucleic
acid synthesis and causes cell death
6. Patient teaching
• Instruct female patient to notify prescriber if she is pregnant, intends to get
pregnant, or is breast-feeding.
• Urge patient to take metronidazole at evenly spaced intervals day and with
food to minimize adverse GI reactions.
• Urge patient to complete the entire course of therapy.
• Caution patient to avoid alcohol during therapy and for at least 3 days
afterward
