Sketchy Pharm: Metronidazole

Question 1

Metronidazole is classically used for ________________.

Answer 1

polymicrobial intra-abdominal infections

Question 2

What is the mechanism of metronidazole?

Answer 2

It generates free radicals that damage and break DNA

Think of the broken railroad tracks.

Question 3

What organisms is metronidazole effective against?

Answer 3

Entamoeba histolytica (represented by the "do not ENTer" sign) 
Giardia lamblia (like Colonel Giardia)

Question 4

What organism causes vaginitis?

Answer 4

Trichomonas

Think of the magician doing TRICks with the strawberry –because “strawberry cervix” is a sign of vaginitis.

Question 5

How is Trichomonas treated?

Answer 5

Metronidazole for both partners (like how the magician has his girlfriend with him)

Question 6

______________ has a fishy odor.

Answer 6

Bacterial vaginosis caused by Gardnerella vaginalis

Think of the old woman with the venus fly traps. This is also treated with metronidazole.

Question 7

True or false: metronidazole is often substituted for clarithromycin in triple therapy.

Answer 7

False. It is a substitute for amoxicillin in penicillin-allergic patients.

Question 8

Metronidazole is used to treat what infections symbolized by the woman in the rear-left portion of the scene?

Answer 8

Anaerobic bacteria (like Clostridium and Bacteroides)

She’s wearing a gas mask.

Question 9

Metronidazole can cause a __________-like reaction.

Answer 9

disulfiram (duh!)

Just kidding, think of the “No Drinking” sign.