METRONIDAZOLE
It has been used for trichomoniasis, amoebiasis and giardiasis. Metronidazole is active against a wide range of bacteria including Bacteroides spp, anaerobic cocci, Fusobacterium spp, Clostridium spp. and Gardnerella, Vaginalis. It is also effective against protozoa including Trichomonas spp. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardialamblia.Amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomonas vaginitis, anaerobic infections (after colorectal or pelvic surgery, appendectomy, osteomyelitis and abscesses of brain or lung), ulcerative gingivitis.
Orally 400 mg 8 hrly, by rectum 1 gm 8 hrly for 3 days followed by 1gm 12 hrly. i.v 500 mg 8 hrly. all upto 7 days.
Neurological disease, blood dyscrasias, first trimester of pregnancy.
Lactation, disulfiram like intolerance to alcohol, phenobarbitones.
Anorexia, nausea, metallic taste, abdominal cramps, headache, glossitis, dryness of mouth, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects, seizures. Thromboflebitis of injected vein.
Disufiram-like reaction with alcohol. Enhances action of coumarin anticoagulants. Blood levels increased by cimetidine. Effect reduced by phenobarbitone. Acute psychoses with disulfiram. Additive/synergistic effect with other microbials.
