Introduction
Clont® is the trade name for the antibiotic metronidazole.
Mode of action
Like any antibiotic, it damages certain bacteria. The effect of Clont® depends on the absence of oxygen: it can only have a damaging effect on the DNA of cells if there is no oxygen in the environment. Therefore, it only works on so-called “anaerobic” bacteria and certain protozoa – animal protozoa that can also cause infections.
Anaerobic means that these bacteria can only grow without oxygen in the environment or that they are damaged by oxygen. They therefore only grow when Clont® can also develop its effect. Due to this mode of action of Clont®, no harmful effect on human DNA, which is in an oxygen-rich environment, is to be expected. After oral or venous administration, Clont® penetrates well into cerebral fluid, all other body fluids and into bones and joints, where it has a good effect, unlike many other antibiotics. However, it also damages bacteria when applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes, which is important for genital infections.
Fields of application
The antibiotic Clont® is used to treat various diseases. These include: Clont® works particularly well with chronic inflammations of the intestine (Morbus Crohn or Colitis ulcerosa), since it has additionally an anti-inflammatory effect. Clont® also brings a demonstrable improvement in the symptoms of some inflammatory skin diseases such as rosacea or dermatitis. – Pus accumulation in the brain (“brain abscesses”)
- Infections of the meninges
- Pus accumulation in the abdomen
- Infections of bones and joints
- Infections of the genitals with protozoa
- The treatment of Helicobacter pylori (a germ that can cause stomach ulcers)
- The so-called pseudomembranous enterocolitis, a severe infection of the intestine, usually caused by other antibiotics
Risks and side effects
Typical side effects of Clont® are headaches and nausea. A metallic taste in the mouth may occur after ingestion. The drug can make the urine reddish-brown and the papillae of the tongue blackish.
Less common side effects are related to the nervous system. If you experience seizures, disturbances in various movements (such as standing, sitting and pointing) or changes in the feeling on the skin after taking the medicine, you should stop taking it immediately. Such disturbances only subside slowly.
Allergic reactions may occur as with any other medicine, but are rare. It is important to avoid alcohol while taking Clont®. Clont® prevents the breakdown of alcohol and can therefore lead to severe symptoms of poisoning such as trembling, dizziness, sweating, itching, headache, a metallic taste in the mouth, anxiety and a faster heartbeat.