Main representative
The main representative of nitromidazoles is metromidazole.
Classification
This substance belongs to the group of nitroimidazoles. Besides metronidazole, the drugs tinidazole and nimorazole belong to this rather small group of substances. Metronidazole is also known under the trade name ClontR. It is a standard and collaborative drug in the treatment of anaerobic infections. Metronidazole is easy on tissues and can be given as a short infusion (through the venous blood system), in tablet form (oral), as suppositories (rectal), and vaginally.
Effect
Metronidazole inhibits the nucleic biosynthesis of anaerobically growing bacteria and protozoa (unicellular organisms). Compared to antibiotics of other groups of substances, nitroimidazoles are the only ones that act in this way. Due to the inhibition the drug has a bactericidal effect.
Fields of application
Metronidazole and the other drugs in the group of substances called nitroimidazoles are mainly effective against anaerobically growing germs and protozoa (unicellular organisms). Apart from actinomycetes and propionibacteria, metronidazole is effective against all anaerobically growing bacteria. Among the protozoa, Entamoeba histolytics, Trichomonas vaginalis and Gardia lamblia should be mentioned.
Furthermore, metronidazole is also effective against the germ Gardenella vaginalis, which mainly causes gynecological infections. It is used in the gastrointestinal tract and vaginal infections and abscesses caused by anaerobes as well as prophylactically before gastrointestinal surgery and gynaecological operations. Metronidazole is also used in the treatment of non-infectious gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Side effects
Above all complaints at the stomach intestine tract, in particular Stomatitis and Glossitis must be feared. Also taste irritations and a mainly metallic taste when taking metronidazole have already been described. Furthermore, these drugs interact with alcohol and cause alcohol intolerance.
Neurological complaints have also been observed, including headaches, dizziness, gait insecurity (ataxia) and sensory disturbances (neuropathy). A carcinogenic effect has been demonstrated in animal experiments. Since the drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine, urine staining is to be expected during administration.
