14121043
| Question | Answer |
| What is it? | A nitromidazole antibiotic |
| Indications | Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobic bacterial infections, eg B. fragilis Protozoal infections, eg giardiasis, trichomoniasis |
| Action | Metronidazole and tinidazole are metabolised to active metabolites that are thought to interfere with DNA synthesis. |
| Therapeutic effects | Kills bacteria by interfering with synthesis of its DNA - reducing infection and therefore inflammation |
| Absorption | Absorbed well in the GIT - 70 - 90% bioavailability |
| Metabolism and excretion | Metabolised (>70% ) in the liver and excreted through the kidneys |
| Distribution | Except placenta, metronidazole penetrates well into body tissues and fluids |
| Half-life | 6 -8 hours |
| Contraindications | Contraindicated in individuals hypersensitive to drug or its components (such as parabens) or other nitromidazole derivatives Use cautiously in individuals with history or evidence of blood dyscrasia and in those with severe hepatic disease |
| Side effects | abdominal pain, n + v, diarrhoea, metallic taste, CNS effects: dizziness, headache Alcohol interaction: similar to disulfram can cause nausea vomiting, tachycardia SOB and flushing (avoid taking with alcohol) |
| Interactions | Alcohol - avoid use |
| Nursing assessment | Monitor for adverse affects BP |
| Education | Take metronidazole tablets with food to reduce stomach upset. This medicine may make you feel dizzy or confused; avoid driving if you are affected like this. Avoid alcohol! Stop taking metronidazole and check with your doctor immediately if you have any numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands or feet. |
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