Here’s the detailed profile for Metronidazole Tablet 400 mg 👇
💊 Metronidazole Tablet 400 mg
📘 Description:
- Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative with both antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity.
- Mechanism of action: The nitro group is reduced inside anaerobic organisms → toxic intermediates bind DNA → inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis → cell death.
- The 400 mg tablet is the most commonly prescribed adult strength for moderate to severe infections.
📄 Prescription / Indications:
Anaerobic Bacterial Infections
- Intra-abdominal (peritonitis, abscess)
- Gynecological infections (endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Dental & oral infections
- Aspiration pneumonia, lung abscess
- Septicemia & bone/joint infections due to anaerobes
Protozoal Infections
- Amoebiasis (intestinal & hepatic)
- Giardiasis
- Trichomoniasis
Other Uses
- Clostridioides difficile colitis (alternative option if vancomycin/fidaxomicin not available)
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Part of H. pylori eradication regimens (with bismuth, tetracycline, PPI)
- Surgical prophylaxis (in combination with other antimicrobials)
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Antiprotozoal & Antibacterial
- Nitroimidazole group
- Bactericidal against anaerobes & protozoa
✅ Advantages:
- Broad-spectrum activity against protozoa + anaerobic bacteria
- 400 mg dose allows less frequent dosing (usually 8–12 hourly)
- Excellent tissue penetration – reaches abscesses, CNS, liver, bone
- Used in both treatment & prophylaxis of infections
⚠️ Precautions:
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Breastfeeding (consider alternatives or stop feeding temporarily)
Cautions:
- Hepatic impairment – dose adjustment needed
- Avoid alcohol during treatment & for 48 hours after (disulfiram-like reaction: flushing, vomiting, tachycardia)
- Monitor in prolonged therapy (>10 days) due to neuropathy risk
Adverse Effects:
- Metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
- Headache, dizziness, seizures (rare)
- Peripheral neuropathy (long-term use)
- Dark urine (benign)
- Rare: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, encephalopathy, pancreatitis
📦 Common Packaging:
- Strip packs of 10 tablets (400 mg)
- Blister packs commonly supplied in hospitals
❄️ Storage Conditions:
- Store at room temperature (<25°C)
- Protect from light & moisture
- Keep out of reach of children