The drug is an antimicrobial and antiprotozoal agent. Metronidazole restores the 5-nitro group, which interacts with the DNA of bacterial cells, inhibits the synthesis of nucleic acids, which leads to the death of microorganisms.
Optional anaerobes and aerobic microorganisms are not sensitive to this drug, but it stimulates reparative processes and makes tumors more sensitive to radiation.
Most often, the medicine is used in tablets, vaginal suppositories Metronidazole is used as part of a comprehensive treatment. In addition to these forms, on the shelves of pharmacies you can find gel of the day for external and vaginal use, a cream that is applied to the skin surface, and a solution for infusion.
Ailments in which metronidazole tablets, solution and suppositories are used:
- CNS diseases, including brain abscess, lung abscess, pneumonia, bacterial endocarditis, empyema, joint and bone infections.
- Protozoal infections (extraintestinal and intestinal amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, balantidiasis, giardiasis, trichomonas urethritis and vaginitis).
- Caused by Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp sepsis and soft tissue infections.
- As a prevention of complications in the postoperative period after removal of the appendix, operations on the colon, female genital organs, rectal area.
- Pseudomembranous colitis associated with the use of antibiotics.
- It is used as a radiosensitizing agent in the treatment of tumors with radiation therapy, when the resistance of the tumor is determined by the hypoxia of its cells.
- Alcoholism.
- As a topical agent for the treatment of acne, rosacea, trophic ulcers, long-term non-healing wounds, oily seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis, anal fissures, including hemorrhoids, pressure sores, infectious skin diseases.
- Gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer caused by the activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, atrophic gastritis, condition after gastric resection with suspected cancer.
Contraindications in which tablets, gels and suppositories metronidazole cannot be used:
- The first trimester of pregnancy.
- Leukopenia
- The period of breastfeeding.
- Liver failure.
- Hypersensitivity to metronidazole.
- Organic lesions of the central nervous system.
Can tablets and suppositories Metronidazole be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy? It is possible, but only if the benefit to the mother exceeds the risk to the child, because the placenta does not delay the drug, but passes through it.
Metronidazole: composition and form of release
Most often used tablets. Each of them contains 0.25 g of metronidazole. Each package contains 10 pieces. In one cardboard box there can be 1, 2 and 5 mesh packages.
In second place in frequency of use is a 0.5% solution for infusion, transparent, with a slight green tint. Each ml of solution contains 5 mg of metronidazole. The solution is available in 100 ml bottles, packed in a cardboard box.
In addition to tablets and solution, Metronidazole suppositories (vaginal suppositories), oval in shape with one sharp and one blunt end, are used. Such a candle may contain 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 g of metronidazole, plus auxiliary substances, such as polyethylene oxide. One box contains 10 suppositories.
Tablets, Metronidazole solution, suppositories Instructions for use:
Children who have not yet turned 12 take tablets three times a day based on their own weight - from 5 to 16.7 mg of the drug per day are calculated for each kilogram. Adults and teenagers over 12 are prescribed to take the medicine three to four times a day up to 250-750 mg per day.
When introduced into the vagina, the dosage is 500 mg per day once before bedtime.
500-750 mg is infused intravenously up to three times a day for adults and children over 12.
The exact dosage is selected by the doctor. It is impossible to take the drug without his advice, since Metronidazole has a wide range of side effects (such as hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.).