Drug Name:Metronidazole
Drug Class:Antibiotic, Antiprotozoal
Mechanism of Action:Inhibits nucleic acid synthesis and damages DNA, leading to cell death
Use:
  • Bacterial infections (anaerobic bacteria)
  • Protozoal infections (Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica)
  • H. pylori eradication in combination with other antibiotics
  • Bacterial vaginosis
Side Effects:
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or nitroimidazole derivatives
  • First trimester of pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
Specialty:
  • Infectious disease
  • Gastroenterology
  • Obstetrics and gynecology