Generic Name

Mechanism of
Action

Indications

Contraindications

Adverse
Reactions

Nursing
Responsibilities

Metronidazole
(Flagyl)

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

Acute infection with Contraindicated with

susceptible anaerobic hypersensitivity to
bacteria.
metronidazole.
Acute intestinal
amebiasis
Amebic liver
abscess.
Trichomoniasis.
Bacterial vaginosis.

Use cautiously with

CNS diseases, hepatic
disease, candidiasis
(moniliasis), blood
dyscrasias, lactation.

CNS: headache,
dizziness, ataxia,
vertigo,
incoordination,
insomnia, seizures,
peripheral
neuropathy,
fatigue.

Take the drug with

food if GI upset
occurs.

GI: unpleasant
metallic taste,
anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea,
GI upset, cramps.

Your urine may be a

darker color than
usual.

Do not drink alcohol

for 24-72 hours of
drug use; severe
reaction may occur.

GU: dysuria,
incontinence,
darkening of the
urine.

Apply the topical

preparation by
cleansing the area
and then rubbing a
thin film into the
affected area.

LOCAL:
thrombophlebitis
(IV); redness,
burning, dryness,
and skin irritation
(topical).

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.