Metronidazole belongs to the class of antibiotics. It is used in medicine to treat and prevent various types of inflammation caused by certain bacteria, such as clostridia. The side effects of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting as well as allergic skin reactions such as reddening or pustules are particularly common. Metronidazole should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy.
What is metronidazole?
Metronidazole is a drug that belongs to the group of antibiotics. It kills anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live in an oxygen-free environment) and parasites, so it is widely used in the treatment of diseases caused by such bacteria and parasites.
If the diseases are triggered by other bacteria or viruses, however, it does not work. Due to its special spectrum of activity, the use of metronidazole is only indicated for certain diseases.
The attending physician always decides on this. Metronidazole is available from various manufacturers under various trade names (including Clont®, Arilin®, Flagyl®).
Pharmacological effect
Metronidazole is converted into an active form by certain bacteria and parasites. This happens through the rearrangement of electrons (charged particles) in the metronidazole by enzymes of the bacteria.
This changes the properties of the antibiotic. The active form inserts itself into the genetic material of the bacteria, the DNA, and destroys it. In this way the metabolism of the bacteria comes to a standstill and they die. Metronidazole and its breakdown products are excreted by the kidneys. In the case of reduced kidney function, special caution is therefore required and the concentration of metronidazole in the blood should be observed in order to avoid unnecessary side effects.
The mechanism of DNA damage is also based on the assumption that metronidazole could harm the unborn child in pregnant women. Although this has never been proven in humans, metronidazole must not be taken within the first three months of pregnancy.
Medical application & use
Metronidazole is mainly used to treat diseases caused by so-called anaerobic bacteria, which occur in an environment without oxygen.
These include, on the one hand, bacterial inflammation of the gastric mucosa (then in combination with other drugs) and infections of the large intestine that are triggered by bacteria, and on the other hand abscesses, i.e. encapsulated boils in the bones, teeth, mouth and jaw area, in the skin, in the abdominal cavity or in the brain. Another area of application of metronidazole are diseases that are triggered by parasites. These include trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted inflammation of the genitals, lambliasis, a diarrheal disease, and amoebic dysentery, a diarrheal disease with cramp-like abdominal pain.
Metronidazole is also used in operations on the colon and rectum as well as on the female reproductive organs to prevent wound infections. Metronidazole is available in various forms for all these purposes, for example as a tablet for oral intake, as an ointment, as a vaginal tablet, as a suppository or as an infusion solution (for administration via the vein).
Like all antibiotics, metronidazole must always be prescribed by a doctor and must also be taken as directed by a doctor. The duration of the intake is particularly important. As a rule, it does not exceed 10 days, but if taken too briefly there is a risk of persistent inflammation and complications.
Risks & side effects
One of the common side effects when taking Metronidazole include gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
A metallic taste often occurs when taking metronidazole in tablet form. Since the active ingredient also tastes bitter, the tablets should not be crushed. In addition, the urine can turn red, which is caused by the degradation products of the metronidazole and has no disease value.
Allergic skin reactions such as itching, reddening or pustules are also more common. Sometimes headaches and dizziness, sometimes also seizures, coordination disorders and tingling in the hands and feet can occur. The consumption of alcohol should be avoided while taking metronidazole, otherwise particularly severe side effects are to be expected.
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