A bactericidal antibiotic, which is converted by anaerobic bacteria to the active (reduced) metabolite, this inhibits DNA repair and results in strand breaks and interruption of DNA's helical structure.
Metronidazole - Oral, rectal, I.V. and topical
- Low toxicity
- Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, an unpleasant metallic-taste, diarrhoea
- Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol
If treatment exceeds 10 days, clinical and laboratory monitoring recommended for liver enzyme abnormalities and signs of peripheral neuropathy.
Patients should be advised to complete the prescribed course of antibiotic therapy.
They should be told to avoid alcohol.
Metronidazole is well absorbed orally (c. 90%). Food decreases the rate of absorption, but not the extent of absorption.
It is metabolised in the liver and excreted in the urine, a small proportion being excreted in the faeces.
