Generic Name Metronidazole

Brand Name Flagex

Dosage 500 mg 2x a day for 7 days.

Mechanism of Action Bactericidal Inhibits DNA synthesis in specific (obligate) anaerobes Causing cell death Antiprotozoal trichomonacidal Amebicidal Biochemical mechanism of action is not known.

Indications > Acute infection with susceptible anaerobic bacteria. > Acute intestinal amebiasis > Amebic liver abscess. > Trichomoniasis. > Bacterial vaginosis.

Contraindications > Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to metronidazole. > Use cautiously with CNS diseases, hepatic disease, candidiasis (moniliasis), blood dyscrasias, lactation.

Adverse Reactions > CNS: headache, dizziness, ataxia, vertigo, incoordination, insomnia, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue. > GI: unpleasant metallic taste, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, GI upset, cramps. > GU: dysuria, incontinence, darkening of the urine. > LOCAL: thrombophlebiti s (IV); redness, burning, dryness, and skin irritation (topical).

Nursing Responsibilities > Take the drug with food if GI upset occurs. > Do not drink alcohol for 24-72 hours of drug use; severe reaction may occur. > Your urine may be a darker color than usual. > Apply the topical preparation by cleansing the area and then rubbing a thin film into the affected area. > Can experience drying of the mouth with strange metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. > Report for severe GI upset, dizziness, unusual fatigue or weakness, fever, chills.