A Class of its Own Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action for Nitroimidazole drugs like Metronidazole?
Bactericidal: Pro-drugs converted to active metabolites which then damage DNA and proteins via reduction reactions
What is the spectrum of activity for Metronidazole?
Anaerobes and protozoa (Clostridioides difficile, Gardnerella vaginalis, H. pylori, Trichomonas, Giardia, Amebiasis)
In which formulations is Metronidazole available?
Oral, intravenous (IV), topical, vaginal
What are the common dosing instructions for Metronidazole?
500 mg orally twice a day for 7 days
What are the common side effects of Metronidazole?
GI effects such as nausea, dysgeusia (metallic taste), headache; CNS effects such as vertigo, insomnia, and rare but possibly severe rash
What are the drug interactions associated with Metronidazole?
Alcohol can cause an Antabuse-like reaction; potentiates anticoagulant effects of warfarin; increases plasma levels of of lithium = lithium toxicity