Metronidazol Kabi (Metronidazole)

Metronidazole is used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa.

• Intra‑abdominal infections: eliminates mixed aerobic‑anaerobic organisms, reducing infection severity.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: eradicates anaerobic pathogens, improving pelvic health.
• Bacterial vaginosis: restores normal vaginal flora by targeting anaerobic bacteria.
• C. difficile‑associated diarrhea: suppresses toxin‑producing C. difficile, aiding clinical recovery.
• Severe bacterial sepsis: provides broad‑spectrum anaerobic coverage in critical care.

• Metronidazole enters susceptible microbial cells and undergoes enzymatic reduction of its nitro group, forming nitro radical anions. These reactive intermediates bind to DNA, causing strand breaks and inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, which leads to bacterial cell death. The drug is selectively toxic to anaerobic organisms because the reduction process is more efficient under low‑oxygen conditions.

Metronidazole may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach.
• Metallic taste: transient alteration of taste perception.
• Headache: occasional throbbing discomfort.
• Diarrhea: loose stools without severe infection signs.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or itching.
• Dark urine: harmless discoloration due to metabolites.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Seizures: rare neurologic events requiring immediate care.
• Peripheral neuropathy: tingling or numbness in extremities.
• Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis with hives, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
• Hepatotoxicity: elevated liver enzymes indicating liver stress.
• Hematologic changes: neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin blistering and mucosal involvement.

Before using Metronidazol Kabi, consider the following safety measures.

• Renal impairment: adjust therapy if kidney function is reduced.
• Hepatic disease: monitor liver enzymes during treatment.
• Alcohol consumption: avoid alcohol due to disulfiram‑like reaction.
• Pregnancy: use only if clearly needed; risk unknown.
• Lactation: assess benefits versus potential infant exposure.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Metronidazol Kabi can interact with several medicines; monitor accordingly.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Disulfiram: may cause severe reactions when combined.
• Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect, risk of bleeding.
• Lithium: heightened lithium toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Cimetidine: may raise metronidazole plasma levels.
• Phenytoin: possible reduction in metronidazole efficacy.
• Alcohol: risk of flushing, tachycardia, and hypotension.