DRUG STUDY
Name of Drugs Mechanism of Action
GENERIC NAME: Therapeutic Effects:
-Metronidazole -Hinders growth of
selected organisms,
BRAND NAME: including most
-Flagyl anaerobic bacteria and
protozoa
CLASSIFICATION:
- Diffuses into the
Therapeutic: organism, inhibits protein
-Amebicides, synthesis by interacting
antiprotozoals, with DNA and causing a
anti-infectives loss of helical DNA
and antiulcer structure and strand
agents breakage. Therefore, it
causes cell death in
Pharmacologic: susceptible organisms.
-Nitroimidazole
derivatives -Bactericidal,
trichomonacidal, or
amebicidal action.
-Spectrum: Most notable
for activity against
anaerobic bacteria,
including Bacteroides,
Clostridium. In addition, is
active against
Trichomonas vaginalis,
Entamoeba histolytica,
Contraindications Side Effects Adverse Effects Nursing Responsibilities
Contraindications -Appetite loss CNS: seizures, -Monitor signs of peripheral
-hypersensitivity -Yeast infection dizziness, headache neuropathy (numbness,
-hypersensitivity to (candidiasis) tingling). Perform objective
parabens -Diarrhea EENT: tests (nerve conduction,
-first trimester of -Vomiting Tearing(topical only) monofilaments) to document
pregnancy -Loss of control of any neuropathic changes.
-prolonged QT interval bodily movements GI: abdominal pain,
on EKG -Dark urine anorexia, nausea and -Be alert for confusion,
-alcohol intoxication -Disulfiram-type vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, headache, or other
-a low seizure reaction with dry mouth, glossitis alterations in mental status.
threshold ethanol Notify the physician promptly
-Furry tongue Derm: rashes, if these symptoms develop.
Precautions -Metallic taste urticaria: topical only
-history of blood -Dry mouth — burning, mild -Monitor IV injection site for
dyscrasias; seizures or -Decreased libido dryness, skin pain, swelling, and irritation.
neurologic problems irritation, transient Report prolonged or excessive
-severe hepatic redness. injection site reactions to the
impairment physician
-pregnancy, lactation Hemat: leukopenia
and children -Watch for seizures; notify
Local: Phlebitis at IV physician immediately if
Drug interactions site patient develops or increases
-cimetidine seizure activity.
-phenobarbital Neuro: peripheral -Watch carefully for edema
-warfarin neuropathy because it may cause sodium
-disulfiram retention
-fluorouracil Misc: superinfection,
disulfiram-type -Assess skin for severity areas
reaction with alcohol. of local adverse reactions
Giardia lamblia, H. pylori,
C. difficile. -Record number and character
of stools

-Give drug with meals to

minimize GI distress

-To treat trichomoniasis, give

drug for 7days instead of 2-g
single dose

-Tablets may be crushed for

patients with difficult
swallowing

-Instruct to complete full

course of therapy