Metronidazole (Flagyl): Using and Mechanism of Action

August 20, 2009

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Metronidazole was created as a nitroimidazole anti-infective medication used mostly in the treatment for infections resulting from susceptible organisms, in particular anaerobic protozoa and bacteria. It is believed to be the best anti-anaerobic remedy.

Manufactures sells Metronidazole in the U.S. using the trade name Flagyl, whereas Sanofi-Aventis produces it for the global market under the identical trade name. Various manufacturers of generics also market this, selling it at a price that is lower.

Uses

Metronidazole prescription drug is indicated for a course of therapy for the following infections:

– Trichomoniasis
– Bacterial septicemia
– Trichomoniasis
– Skin and skin structure infections
– Streptococcus
– Bacterial vaginosis
– Bone and joint infections
– Gynecologic infections (endometritis, endomyometritis, tubo-ovarian abscess, and post surgical vaginal cuff infection)
– Adjunct treatment for gastritis
– Endocarditis
– meningitis and brain abscess
– Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscess, and liver abscess

Mechanism of Action

Metronidazole (Flagyl) medication
works by entering the aerobic bacterium and by use of the electron transport protein ferrodoxin, it is negated. Then clamping onto the DNA, the drug splinters it up. Metronidazole triggers antioxidant activity, as indicated by in vitro data, and may prevent and fight rosacea symptoms.

Advantages

The advantages of metronidazole consist of:

– Favorable tissue dissemination
– Elevated percentage of receptive Gram-negative anaerobes
– Markedly reduced risk of inducing C. difficult colitis
– Accessibility as oral and intravenous type doses
– Price
– Its swift bacteria killing characteristics

Disadvantages

– Acute poisoning causes digestive problems. Neurological harm may become the result of unrelenting toxicity. Besides convulsive seizures, the peril exists also for peripheral neuropathy.
– Drinking alcohol when taking metronidazole may cause disulfiram-like reaction with side-effects that may include vomiting, nausea, flushing of the skin, tachycardia (accelerated heart rate), shortness of breath, as well as possible death. Refrain from drinking alcohol while following a program of metronidazole therapy and for at least 24 hours subsequent to the completion of the program.
– Metronidazole hydroxy metabolite exists potentially as a dangerous carcinogen. Additionally, it is known that metronidazole has carcinogenic effects on animals. Taking the drug for no good reason is not advisable.

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