Metronidazole

• An imidazole antibiotic
• Active against anaerobes and some protozoa
• Excellent oral absorption
• Excellent penetration into tissues including the brain
• Adjust dose in severe renal impairment
• IV preparation should only be used where the oral route is not available

Main indications

• Surgical prophylaxis
• Treatment in combination for abdominal infections
• Treatment in combination for likely anaerobic infection eg abdominal / pelvic collection, brain abscess
• 1st line treatment of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea.
• 1st line treatment for protozoal infection eg giardia, trichomonas, amoebic infection

Active against most strains of:

• Anaerobic bacteria

• Protozoa – Giardia sp, Trichomonas vaginalis,

• Helicobacter pylori

• Clostridium difficile

Not active against:

• Staphylococci
• Streptococci
• Pseudomonas
• Coliforms

Page last edited: 09/02/2009

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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