drug name | Metronidazole |
classification | 1 | Antiprotozoal | 2 | Antibacterial |
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pharmacokinetics | Well absorbed orally; peak plasma concentrations typically achieved within 1-2 hours. Widely distributed in tissues and body fluids. Primarily metabolized in the liver to active metabolites. Excreted mainly in urine. Elimination half-life varies depending on the dose and individual factors. |
dosage recommendations | 1 | description | Adult male (25-70 kg) | range | 250-500 mg orally 3-4 times daily | important note | Specific dosing guidelines depend on the condition being treated and should be determined by a healthcare professional. |
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indications | 1 | condition | Trichomoniasis | type | Protozoal |
| 2 | condition | Giardiasis | type | Protozoal |
| 3 | condition | Amebiasis | type | Protozoal |
| 4 | condition | Bacterial Vaginosis | type | Bacterial |
| 5 | condition | Anaerobic Bacterial Infections | type | Bacterial |
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safety pregnancy | Use only when clearly needed; potential risks to the fetus, especially during the first trimester. Consult a physician for a thorough risk/benefit assessment. |
safety breastfeeding | Metronidazole is excreted in breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers. Consult with a healthcare professional. |
side effects | 1 | Nausea | 2 | Vomiting | 3 | Diarrhea | 4 | Headache | 5 | Dizziness | 6 | Fatigue | 7 | Metallic taste | 8 | Loss of appetite | 9 | Abdominal cramps | 10 | Stomach upset | 11 | Disulfiram-like reaction (with alcohol) | 12 | Peripheral neuropathy (rare with recommended dosages) | 13 | Dry mouth | 14 | Vaginitis | 15 | Skin rashes |
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alternative medications | |
contraindications | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to metronidazole or related compounds | 2 | Severe liver disease | 3 | Concurrent use of disulfiram |
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drug interactions | 1 | Alcohol consumption (disulfiram-like reaction) | 2 | Drugs affecting liver function | 3 | Warfarin (potential for increased bleeding) | 4 | Other medications |
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warnings and precautions | 1 | Monitor for signs of blood disorders (low blood counts). | 2 | Avoid alcohol consumption while taking metronidazole or for at least 24 hours after taking the last dose. | 3 | Caution in patients with a history of seizures or neurological conditions. | 4 | Administer with food if gastric upset is a concern. |
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additional information | Dosage and duration depend on the specific infection. A healthcare professional must determine these details. Do not self-treat. |