Here’s the detailed profile for Metronidazole Tablet 200 mg 👇
💊 Metronidazole Tablet 200 mg
📘 Description:
- Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative with antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity.
- Mechanism of action: In anaerobic organisms, its nitro group is reduced → reactive intermediates formed → disrupt DNA structure → cell death.
- Supplied as 200 mg oral tablets, used for mild to moderate infections.
📄 Prescription / Indications:
Effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa:
Bacterial infections
- Anaerobic infections (intra-abdominal, pelvic, skin & soft tissue, dental)
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Anaerobic septicemia
- Aspiration pneumonia & lung abscess
- Colorectal infections (often with other antibiotics)
Protozoal infections
- Amoebiasis (intestinal & hepatic)
- Giardiasis
- Trichomoniasis (urogenital infections in both men & women)
Other uses
- Clostridioides difficile–associated diarrhea (alternative if vancomycin/fidaxomicin not available)
- As part of triple/quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Antiprotozoal & Antibacterial
- Nitroimidazole group
- Bactericidal & protozoacidal
✅ Advantages:
- Highly effective against anaerobes & protozoa
- Oral 200 mg tablet is convenient for step-down therapy from IV
- Can be combined with other antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporins, aminoglycosides) for mixed infections
- Well absorbed orally; penetrates CNS, abscesses, bone, and pelvic tissues
⚠️ Precautions:
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles
- First trimester of pregnancy (use with caution later)
- Breastfeeding (consider temporary discontinuation)
Cautions:
- Use carefully in hepatic impairment (dose adjustment needed)
- Avoid alcohol during therapy & 48 hrs after (causes disulfiram-like reaction)
Adverse Effects:
- GI upset (nausea, metallic taste, abdominal cramps)
- Headache, dizziness, neuropathy (with prolonged use)
- Dark urine (harmless)
- Rare: seizures, encephalopathy, pancreatitis
📦 Common Packaging:
- Strip packs of 10 tablets (200 mg)
- Hospital packs also available
❄️ Storage Conditions:
- Store at room temperature (<25°C)
- Protect from light & moisture
- Keep out of reach of children