Specification :

Metronidazole
Systematic ( IUPAC) name

2-( 2- methyl- 5-nitro- 1H- imidazol- 1-yl) ethanol
Identifiers
CAS number
443-48-1

ATC code
A01AB17 , D06BX01, G01AF01, J01XD01, P01AB01, QP51AA01

PubChem
4173

DrugBank
APRD00631

ChemSpider
4029

Chemical data
Formula
C6H9N3O3

Mol. mass
171.15 g/ mol
Therapeutic considerations
Legal status
Prescription Only ( S4) ( AU) POM( UK)

Routes
Oral, topical, rectal, IV

Metronidazole is bactericidal and is used primarily against anaerobes and certain protozoans. Metronidazole is active against all obligate anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoan parasites ( eg, Trichomonas vaginalis , Entamoeba histolytica , Giardia lamblia) .It is used primarily for infections caused by obligate anaerobes ( eg, intra-abdominal, pelvic, soft-tissue, periodontal, and odontogenic infections, and lung abscess) , often with other antimicrobials. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for bacterial vaginosis. It has been used in Crohn' s disease. It is effective in meningitis, brain abscess, endocarditis, and septicemia.
Metronidazole has also been used for prophylaxis after intestinal surgery. It is effective for Clostridium difficile colitis when given orally or, in patients unable to take oral medication, IV. Metronidazole, in combination with other drugs, is effective for peptic ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori and prevents relapses. Metronidazole has been used topically and orally to treat acne rosacea.