Here’s the detailed profile for Metronidazole Injection 500 mg/100 mL (IV infusion) 👇
💉 Metronidazole Injection 500 mg/100 mL
📘 Description:
- Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial with both antiprotozoal and antibacterial properties.
- Mechanism of action: Reduction of the nitro group within susceptible protozoa and anaerobic bacteria generates reactive metabolites → DNA strand breakage & inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis → cell death.
- This formulation is given as a ready-to-use IV infusion (500 mg/100 mL) for hospital use.
📄 Prescription / Indications:
Anaerobic Infections:
- Intra-abdominal infections (peritonitis, liver abscess)
- Gynecological infections (endometritis, tubo-ovarian abscess, septic abortion)
- Bone & joint infections
- Central nervous system infections (meningitis, brain abscess)
- Septicemia due to anaerobic organisms
Surgical Prophylaxis:
- Prevention of postoperative anaerobic infections (colorectal, gynecologic, abdominal surgery)
Protozoal Infections (severe cases):
- Severe amoebiasis
- Trichomoniasis (alternative in complicated cases)
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Antiprotozoal & Antibacterial
- Nitroimidazole derivative
- Bactericidal against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa
✅ Advantages:
- IV infusion ensures rapid therapeutic levels for severe or systemic infections
- Effective penetration into CNS, liver, and abscess cavities
- Widely used in surgical prophylaxis
- Can be combined with other antimicrobials for mixed aerobic + anaerobic infections
⚠️ Precautions:
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazoles
- First trimester pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary)
Use with caution in:
- Hepatic impairment (dose adjustment required)
- Severe renal impairment
- Patients with CNS disorders (risk of seizures, neuropathy)
Adverse Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
- Metallic taste, dry mouth
- Headache, dizziness
- Dark urine (benign)
- Rare: seizures, encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy
- IV site reactions: phlebitis, pain
Drug Interactions:
- Alcohol → disulfiram-like reaction
- Warfarin → ↑ anticoagulant effect (monitor INR)
- Lithium → ↑ toxicity risk
💉 Administration & Dosage (Adults):
- Usual adult dose: 500 mg IV every 8 hours (infuse over 30–60 minutes)
- Dose adjustment needed in hepatic/renal dysfunction
- Transition to oral therapy when possible
📦 Common Packaging:
- 100 mL glass or plastic bottle / IV bag containing 500 mg metronidazole
- Ready-to-use sterile solution for infusion
❄️ Storage Conditions:
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Protect from light
- Do not refrigerate or freeze (may cause precipitation)
- Use immediately after opening