Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria, protozoa, and amoeba, commonly used for various infections, including bacterial vaginosis and giardiasis. It is absorbed and distributed rapidly in the body, with dosing varying based on age and infection type. Side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances, while contraindications include first trimester pregnancy and concurrent alcohol consumption.

1. Dr. NDAYISABA CORNEILLE
CEO of CHG
MBChB,DCM,BCSIT,CCNA
Supported BY
METRONIDAZOLE

2.  A nitroimidazole antibiotic used particularly for;
 Anaerobic bacteria &
 Protozoa
 Its an antimicrobial drug which is highly active
against;
 Anaerobic bacteria
 Some protozoa
 Amoeba

3.  Thus metronidazole is an;
 Antibiotic drug
 Ameobicide
 Antiprotozoal
 Its common trade name is Fragyl in USA & Uganda
 Tinidazole is similar to metronidazole but with a
long duration of action

4. Anti-bacterial ,anti-protozoal & amoebic activity of
metronidazole
This drug is kills;
1. Anaerobic bacteria like;
 Bacteroides fragilis spp
 Fusobacterium spp
 Clostridium spp; c. tetani ,c. difficile ,
c. perfringens

5.  Peptococcus spp
 Peptostreptococcus spp
 Prevotella spp etc
2. Protozoa like giardia lamblia which coz giardiasis
3. Amoeba like entamoeba histolytica which can coz
bacillary dysentery, hepatic abscess (amoebema)

6. Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of action
 Metro is selectively absorbed by anaerobic
bacteria, sensitive protozoa & amoeba
 Within these micro-organisms fragyl is
converted to a toxic form that damages the
DNA of the microorganisms

7. Pharmacokinetics
 Its available in form of;
 Tabs
 Syrups
 IV solutions
 Topical application gel
 Rectal preparations (suppositories)

8.  Metronidazole shld always be taken;
 With a large glass of water
 With or after food
 When given orally its rapidly & completely
absorbed frm gut
 Its distributed rapidly throughout all tissues & body
fluids + CSF

9.  Some is metabolised & most is excreted in urine
 Plasma half life is about 7 hrs

10. Dosage
Adult:
 PO; (varies depending on disease)
 200-400 mg 2-3 times /d (common)
 800mg start then 400mg 3 times/d
 250-500mgs 2-3 times/d
 2g start
 IV ;500mg 2-3 times /d

11. Pediatric dosage:
 PO; 15 mg/kg 3 times /d
 IV ;7.5 mg/kg 3 times /d

12. INDICATIONS OF
METRONIDAZOLE

13. 1. Anaerobic bacterial infections like
 Intra-abdominal abscess
 Peritonitis
 Empyema
 Aspiration pneumonia
 Lung abscess
 Diabetic foot ulcer
 Septicemia

14.  Meningitis & brain abscess
 Bone & joint infections
 Septic wounds
 Endometritis
 Tubo-ovarian abscess
 Endocarditis

15. 2. Surgical prophylaxis 2 hrs before surgery in high
risk procedures like colorectal surgery or
appendectomies
3. Surgical & gynecological septicaemia due to
colonic anaerobes like bacteroides fragilis
4. Amoebic dysentery due to entamoeba histolytica

16. 5. Tx of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis due to
overgrowth of gardnerella spp & co-infective
anaerobes (mobiluncus, bacteroides)
6. Pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium
difficile
7. Tx of peptic ulcer disease by eradicating
Helicobacter pylori in a triple therapy regimen

17. 8.Established cases of tetanus in combination with
diazepam & tetanus immunoglobulin
9.Oral infections like acute necrotizing ulcerative
gingivitis & other dental infections
10.Tx of pelvic inflammatory disease in combination
with other antibiotics like ofloxacin, levofloxacin,
doxycycline or ceftriaxone

18. 11.Tx of septic leg ulcers & pressure sores
12. Treatment of giardiasis which is a protozoa
infection leading to non bloody diarrhoea & GI Sx
13. Crohn's disease with colonic or perianal
involvement in combination with ciprofloxacin
14. Tx of trichomonal vaginitis due to protozoa
trichomonas vaginalis

19. Indications for topical metronidazole
1. Treatment of rosacea
2. Treatment of malodorous fungating wounds
3. Killing of malodorous producing anaerobic
bacteria in fungating tumors like malignant
melanomas

20. unwanted effects
of
metronidazole

21.  Its has few S/Es
1. Minor Gl disturbances like
 Metallic & bitter mouth taste
 Nausea & vomiting
 Anorexia
 Diarrhoea
 Furred tongue
 Oral mucositis
2. Thrombophlebitis after IV drug

22. Other very rare S/Es
1. Blood disorders like thrombocytopenia,
neutropenia, pancytopenia etc
2. Hypersensitivity reactions like;
 Rash
 Pruritus
 Fevers
 Flushing of the skin

23. 3. CNS disturbances
 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Headache
 Ataxia (staggering gait)
 Psychosis
 Seizures
 Sensory neuropathies

24. 4. Hepatitis
5. Jaundice
6. Pancreatitis
7. Visual disturbances
8. Myalgias & arthralgias
9. Darkening of urine

25. Contraindications
1. First trimester of pregnancy
2. Relatively contraindicated in pts with hepatic
impairment & hepatic encephalopathy
3. Concurrent intake of alcohol with metronidazole
bcoz Fragyl inhibits alcohol metabolism leading to
flushing, DIB, tachycardia, N&V etc
4. Acute porphyria

26. END
BY
DR NDAYISABA CORNEILLE
MBChB,DCM,BCSIT,CCNA,Cyber Security
contact: amentalhealths@gmail.com ,
ndayicoll@gmail.com
whatsaps :+256772497591 /+250788958241
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