Metro 400
Metronidazole is an antimicrobial drug that is primarily active against obligate anaerobic microorganisms, both bacteria and protozoa. The 5-nitro group undergoes reductive transformation to an active intermediate which then exerts an inhibitory or lethal effect against DNA. Not only is DNA synthesis inhibited but the reduced metabolite also causes a loss of the helical structure of DNA with subsequent DNA strand breakage. In vitro, metronidazole demonstrates a consistently rapid bactericidal effect with the minimal bactericidal concentration approximating very closely to the minimal inhibitory concentration.
Metronidazole is an antimicrobial drug that is primarily active against obligate anaerobic microorganisms, both bacteria and protozoa. The 5-nitro group undergoes reductive transformation to an active intermediate which then exerts an inhibitory or lethal effect against DNA. Not only is DNA synthesis inhibited but the reduced metabolite also causes a loss of the helical structure of DNA with subsequent DNA strand breakage. In vitro, metronidazole demonstrates a consistently rapid bactericidal effect with the minimal bactericidal concentration approximating very closely to the minimal inhibitory concentration.
Metronidazole is an antimicrobial drug that is primarily active against obligate anaerobic microorganisms, both bacteria and protozoa. The 5-nitro group undergoes reductive transformation to an active intermediate which then exerts an inhibitory or lethal effect against DNA. Not only is DNA synthesis inhibited but the reduced metabolite also causes a loss of the helical structure of DNA with subsequent DNA strand breakage. In vitro, metronidazole demonstrates a consistently rapid bactericidal effect with the minimal bactericidal concentration approximating very closely to the minimal inhibitory concentration.
Dosage & Administration
Tablet and Suspension:
Trichomoniasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
200 mg tid or 400 mg bid for 7 days
800 mg in the morning and 1-2 gm at night for 2 days
2 gm as a single dose for 1 days
Trichomoniasis (Children)-
Children 7-10 yrs: 100 mg tid
Children 3-7 yrs: 100 mg bid
Children 1-3 yrs: 50 mg tid
Intestinal amoebiasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
800 mg tid for 5 days
Intestinal amoebiasis (Children)-
Children 7-10 yrs: 400 mg tid
Children 3-7 yrs: 200 mg qid
Children 1-3 yrs: 200 mg tid
Extra-intestinal & Asymptomatic amoebiasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
400-800 mg tid for 5-10 days
Extra-intestinal & Asymptomatic amoebiasis (Children)-
Children 7-10 yrs: 200-400 mg tid
Children 3-7 yrs: 100-200 mg qid
Children 1-3 yrs: 100-200 mg tid
Giardiasis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
2 gm once daily for 3 days
Giardiasis (Children)-
Children 7-10 yrs: 1 gm once daily
Children 3-7 yrs: 600-800 mg once daily
Children 1-3 yrs: 500 mg once daily
Acute ulcerative gingivitis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
200 mg tid for 3 days
Acute ulcerative gingivitis (Children)-
Children 7-10 yrs: 100 mg tid
Children 3-7 yrs: 100 mg bid
Children 1-3 yrs: 50 mg tid
Acute dental infections (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
200 mg tid for 3-7 days
Bacterial Vaginosis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
400 mg bid for 7 days
2 gm as a single dose for 1 days
Leg ulcers and pressure sores (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
400 mg tid for 7 days
Anaerobic infections (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
800 mg initially and then 400 mg tid for 7 days
Anaerobic infections (Children)-
Children 1-10 yrs: 7.5 mg/kg tid
Surgical prophylaxis (Adults & Children over 10 yrs)-
400 mg tid started 24 hours before surgery for 1 days
Surgical prophylaxis (Children)-
Children 1-10 yrs: 7.5 mg/kg tid
Interaction of Metro 400
Metronidazole has been found to interact with alcohol, nicoumalone and warfarin, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, fluorouracil, disulfiram, lithium and cimetidine.
Contraindications
Metronidazole is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Metronidazole or other Nitroimidazole derivatives.
Side Effects of Metro 400
Metallic taste, furred tongue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, rashes and mild reversible leukopenia may be observed during treatment. It is thus a relatively safe drug although when used in large doses over several months a few cases of severe peripheral neuropathy have occurred.
Pregnancy & Lactation
When metronidazole has been administered during pregnancy, no adverse effects have been noted in the mother or foetus. However, it is recommended that metronidazole not be given during the first trimester of pregnancy and avoided during the later trimesters if possible. If use is deemed necessary, short high-dose regimen is recommended. The efficacy of metronidazole in serious anaerobic infections has to be weighed against potential, but unproved, mutagenic and teratogenic effects. From limited data, metronidazole appears to cross the placenta, as would be expected from its lipid solubility. Metronidazole penetrates well into breast milk. If exposure of the neonates to metronidazole is to be avoided, breast-feeding should be delayed until 48 hours after discontinuing metronidazole in the mother.
Precautions & Warnings
If for compelling reasons, metronidazole must be administered longer than the usually recommended duration, it is recommended that hematological tests, especially leucocyte count should be carried out regularly and that patients should be monitored for adverse reactions such as peripheral or central neuropathy (such as paresthesia, ataxia, dizziness, convulsive seizures).
Metronidazole should be administered with caution to patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Patients should be warned that metronidazole may darken urine.
Therapeutic Class
Amoebicides, Anti-diarrhoeal Antiprotozoal
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool (below 30 0c) & dry place (below 65% RH), protected from light.