Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Yangon Children's Hospital

Metronidazole

C. diff Risk

None

Oral Bioavailability

Excellent

Approximate Cost

IV-$3/d PO-$1/d

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Neonatal

Renal

Dosage adjustment in severe renal impairment only. Consult with a pharmacist for renal dosing

Pediatric

Amebiasis: 10 mg/kg/dose PO q8h x 5 days

Adult

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

  • Suspected or confirmed anaerobic infections including intra-abdominal, biliary, central nervous system

  • Clostridium difficile, Giardia and gynecological infections

  • Also used in Crohn's disease and bacterial vaginosis.

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

With prolonged therapy (>6 wks) or if symptoms develop assess for peripheral/optic neuropathy

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  • GI symptoms common- especially nausea and vomiting and metallic taste

  • Peripheral and or optic neuropathy with extended therapy

  • Disulfiram-like reaction (severe vomiting)

  • Rare neurotoxicity including aseptic meningitis and encephalopathy

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

Disulfiram reaction wtih alcohol or alcohol-containing medications/products.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Nitroimidazole

Average serum half life:

  • Neonates <7 days: (prolonged with lower GA) 24.8-75.3 hours.

  • Neonates ≥7 days: ~22.5 hours

  • Children and adolescents: 6-10 hours.

  • Adults: 8 hours

Route of Elimination:

  • Urine (unchanged drug and metabolites: 60-80%; ~20% of total as unchanged drug)

  • Feces (6-15%)