Metco
Generic Name
Metronidazole
Manufacturer
Leading Pharmaceutical Company
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| metco 200 mg suspension | ৳ 35.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat a wide variety of infections, including anaerobic bacterial infections, parasitic infections like giardiasis and amoebiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. The suspension form is particularly suitable for children and those who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 400-800 mg three times daily, depending on the infection. For specific infections, refer to clinical guidelines.
Elderly
Reduced dosage may be required due to decreased hepatic metabolism and renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment may be necessary, especially for severe renal impairment. Consult a physician.
How to Take
Oral administration. Shake the bottle well before use. Can be taken with or after food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Mechanism of Action
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative. It enters the cell of anaerobic organisms and sensitive protozoa, where it is reduced by electron transport proteins. This reduction forms highly reactive nitro-radical anions which damage DNA and other biomolecules, leading to cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Variable, typically within hours for antimicrobial effects.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in urine (60-80% of the dose) as unchanged drug and metabolites. A small amount is excreted in feces.
Half life
Approximately 8 hours (range 6-12 hours).
Absorption
Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations usually occur within 1-2 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by oxidation of the side chain and glucuronide conjugation. Major metabolites are hydroxy and acid derivatives.
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 stopping due to disulfiram-like reaction.
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Causes a disulfiram-like reaction (flushing, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, headache) when consumed with alcohol.
Lithium
May increase serum lithium levels, leading to lithium toxicity. Monitor lithium levels.
Warfarin
Enhances the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other oral anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk. INR monitoring required.
Cimetidine
May prolong metronidazole half-life by reducing its metabolism.
Cyclosporine
May increase cyclosporine levels; monitor cyclosporine and creatinine levels.
Phenytoin/Phenobarbital
May decrease metronidazole plasma levels by increasing its metabolism.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, ataxia, and mild disorientation. Management is supportive and symptomatic; there is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Generally avoided during the first trimester. Use in later trimesters only if clearly needed. Metronidazole is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment and for 12-24 hours after the last dose.
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 stopping due to disulfiram-like reaction.
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Causes a disulfiram-like reaction (flushing, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, headache) when consumed with alcohol.
Lithium
May increase serum lithium levels, leading to lithium toxicity. Monitor lithium levels.
Warfarin
Enhances the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other oral anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk. INR monitoring required.
Cimetidine
May prolong metronidazole half-life by reducing its metabolism.
Cyclosporine
May increase cyclosporine levels; monitor cyclosporine and creatinine levels.
Phenytoin/Phenobarbital
May decrease metronidazole plasma levels by increasing its metabolism.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, ataxia, and mild disorientation. Management is supportive and symptomatic; there is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Generally avoided during the first trimester. Use in later trimesters only if clearly needed. Metronidazole is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment and for 12-24 hours after the last dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years, check specific product labeling.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensively studied in numerous clinical trials due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Ongoing research explores its role in new indications and resistance patterns.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential, especially with prolonged or high-dose therapy.
- Liver function tests (LFTs) if hepatic impairment is suspected.
- INR for patients on anticoagulants.
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients about the strict alcohol avoidance during treatment.
- Monitor for signs of peripheral neuropathy in patients on prolonged therapy.
- Consider drug interactions carefully, especially with anticoagulants and lithium.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after.
- Report any severe side effects, especially numbness or tingling in extremities, to your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness, confusion, or visual disturbances. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how metronidazole affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Eat a balanced diet.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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