Mextil
Generic Name
Metronidazole
Manufacturer
Example Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| mextil 750 mg injection | ৳ 125.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Mextil 750 mg Injection contains Metronidazole, an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections in various parts of the body, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and skin infections.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose 15 mg/kg infused over 30-60 minutes, followed by 7.5 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, not exceeding 4 g in 24 hours. Dosage and duration depend on the type and severity of infection.
Elderly
Dosage may need adjustment based on renal/hepatic function and overall health. Generally, use lower end of adult dose range.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment or hemodialysis patients, dosage may be reduced, and doses should be given after dialysis.
How to Take
Administered by slow intravenous infusion over 30-60 minutes. Do not administer as an IV bolus. Should be diluted in appropriate intravenous solutions.
Mechanism of Action
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative. It enters bacterial or protozoal cells, where it is reduced by electron transport proteins to form reactive nitro free radicals. These radicals damage DNA and other macromolecules, leading to cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid, typically within minutes for IV administration.
Excretion
Mainly renal (60-80%), with a small amount in feces.
Half life
Approximately 8-10 hours in adults.
Absorption
Rapid and complete absorption after intravenous administration.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, via oxidation, with formation of hydroxyl and acid metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives.
- First trimester of pregnancy (relative contraindication, generally avoided unless absolutely necessary).
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Disulfiram-like reaction (abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing). Avoid alcohol during and for at least 3 days after treatment.
Lithium
May increase serum lithium levels, leading to lithium toxicity. Monitor lithium levels.
Warfarin
Potentiates anticoagulant effect, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Monitor INR carefully.
Cimetidine
May prolong metronidazole half-life.
Phenobarbital, Phenytoin
May reduce metronidazole efficacy by increasing its metabolism.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, ataxia, seizures, and peripheral neuropathy. Management is symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category B. Avoid during the first trimester unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use with caution in later trimesters. Lactation: Metronidazole is excreted into breast milk. Advise breastfeeding mothers to express and discard milk during treatment and for 12-24 hours after the last dose, or consider an alternative drug.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives.
- First trimester of pregnancy (relative contraindication, generally avoided unless absolutely necessary).
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Disulfiram-like reaction (abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing). Avoid alcohol during and for at least 3 days after treatment.
Lithium
May increase serum lithium levels, leading to lithium toxicity. Monitor lithium levels.
Warfarin
Potentiates anticoagulant effect, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Monitor INR carefully.
Cimetidine
May prolong metronidazole half-life.
Phenobarbital, Phenytoin
May reduce metronidazole efficacy by increasing its metabolism.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, ataxia, seizures, and peripheral neuropathy. Management is symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category B. Avoid during the first trimester unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use with caution in later trimesters. Lactation: Metronidazole is excreted into breast milk. Advise breastfeeding mothers to express and discard milk during treatment and for 12-24 hours after the last dose, or consider an alternative drug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years when stored as recommended.
Availability
Hospitals, pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic (Off-patent)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensively studied in numerous clinical trials establishing its efficacy and safety for various bacterial and protozoal infections.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (for prolonged or high-dose therapy)
- Renal function tests (in patients with impairment)
- Complete blood count (especially white blood cell count for prolonged therapy)
- INR (if co-administered with warfarin)
Doctor Notes
- Monitor liver function in patients with hepatic impairment.
- Adjust dose in hemodialysis patients.
- Advise patients to avoid alcohol strictly.
- Be aware of potential drug interactions with warfarin and lithium.
Patient Guidelines
- Inform your doctor about all existing medical conditions and other medications.
- Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 3 days afterward.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, especially neurological ones (e.g., numbness, tingling, seizures).
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, contact your doctor or nurse immediately to reschedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Mextil affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
- Stay hydrated.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in Mextil Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
