Metronidazole

Metronidazole is marketed in the United States under the name Flagyl by Pfizer and by Sanofi Aventis worldwide under the same name. It is available as generic flagyl under various names like Metrogyl in other parts of the world.

Metronidazole is still the drug of choice for most of the anaerobic infections and amebiasis. Metronidazole is actually reduced by ferritin and a result the toxic products are absorbed and they get accumulated inside the anaerobic bacteria causing a cidal effect to the bacteria.

Metronidazole is used in the treatment of amebiasis and amoebic liver abscess caused by Entamoeba histolytica, vaginal infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis where both the patient and her partner are treated, gastric and esophageal erosions caused by Helicobacter pylori, Pelvic inflammatory disease commonly called as PID, brain abscess, abscess anywhere in the body, lung abscess, gingivitis, oral infections, dental infections, giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia and in other infections suspected to be caused by anaerobic bacteria.

Metronidazole is also used in the treatment of dogs to treat amebiasis, vaginal infections and abscesses. In general Metronidazole for dogs and cats is given to treat the infections confined to the abdomen and pelvis.

There are some contraindications for the use of Flagyl- metronidazole. They are during pregnancy, during lactation, while taking drugs like warfarin, cimetidine, alcohol, disulfiram, phenytoin and lithium. If it is taken along with alcohol it produces disulfiram like reactions which include nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and difficulty in breathing.

The general dosage of antibiotic Metronidazole is 250 and 500 mg tablets as well as extended release tablets. It is also available as metronidazole gel, metronidazole cream and metronidazole parenteral solution.