Medicine Information

Freeway

Name: Freeway
Brand: Freeway
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet400 mgAntibiotics (Nitroimidazole)ATC: P01AB01

Generic Name

Metronidazole

Manufacturer

Acme Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
freeway 400 mg tablet	৳ 10.00	৳ 100.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Freeway 400 mg Tablet contains Metronidazole, an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat a wide variety of bacterial and parasitic infections. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasites.

Uses & Indications

Amoebiasis (intestinal and hepatic)

Giardiasis

Trichomoniasis

Bacterial Vaginosis

Anaerobic bacterial infections (e.g., intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections)

Helicobacter pylori eradication (in combination therapy)

Dosage

Adults

Typical dosage is 400 mg three times daily for 5-10 days, depending on the infection. For amoebiasis, 400-800 mg three times daily for 5-10 days.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment required based solely on age, but caution advised due to potential for reduced hepatic/renal function.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min), consider reducing the dose.

How to Take

Take the tablet orally with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow whole with water, do not crush or chew.

Mechanism of Action

Metronidazole works by entering the cells of susceptible organisms, where its nitro group is reduced. This reduction forms reactive cytotoxic products that bind to DNA, disrupting DNA synthesis and causing cell death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Variable depending on infection type; typically within hours to days.

Excretion

Mainly renal (60-80% as metabolites and unchanged drug); some fecal excretion.

Half life

Approximately 8 hours (range 6-12 hours).

Absorption

Well absorbed orally, achieving peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

Primarily hepatic, via oxidation and glucuronidation.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives
First trimester of pregnancy (relative contraindication)
Alcohol consumption during treatment and for at least 48 hours after discontinuation (disulfiram-like reaction)

Drug Interactions

Alcohol

Disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, flushing, tachycardia).

Lithium

Increases plasma lithium levels, leading to potential toxicity.

Warfarin

Increases anticoagulant effect, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Cimetidine

May prolong metronidazole half-life, increasing exposure.

Phenobarbital

May decrease metronidazole effectiveness by increasing metabolism.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, ataxia, and mild disorientation. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; there is no specific antidote.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Metronidazole crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Generally avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy; use only if clearly needed in subsequent trimesters. Caution advised during lactation; a single dose can lead to a 'pump and dump' recommendation for 12-24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets100 tablets (hospital pack)

Shelf Life

36 months

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of Metronidazole for its approved indications, including studies on anaerobic infections, parasitic diseases, and H. pylori eradication.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (for prolonged therapy)
Complete blood count (for prolonged therapy, due to risk of leukopenia)

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients on strict alcohol avoidance.
Monitor for neurological symptoms if therapy is prolonged.
Consider alternative if severe GI upset persists.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve.
Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after stopping.
Report any unusual side effects, especially numbness or tingling in hands/feet.
Take with food to reduce stomach upset.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.