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Metronidazole Capsules
Dosage
Packaging
What is Metronidazole?
Active Ingredients: Metronidazole
Metronidazole Capsules are used to treat certain types of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria or protozoa. It is indicated for infections in many parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, bones, joints, and nervous system. It is prescribed with other medications to treat ulcers caused by H. pylori. It has a wide spectrum and can treat amebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis, exerting both antibacterial and antiprotozoal activities. It is also an effective treatment for some anaerobic bacterial infections.
Metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic, is utilized for the treatment of various conditions such as trichomoniasis, amebiasis, inflammatory lesions of rosacea, and bacterial infections. As a commonly prescribed antibiotic belonging to the nitroimidazole class, it is particularly effective in managing gastrointestinal infections, trichomoniasis, giardiasis, and amebiasis—parasitic infections. Notably, metronidazole distinguishes itself with added antiparasitic properties, broadening its application to a diverse range of infections. The antimicrobial cytotoxic effects of metronidazole are likely attributed to the reduction of its nitro group by anaerobic organisms, resulting in DNA strand damage to microbes.
This drug has been used as an antibiotic for several decades. It shows broad-spectrum activity against gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, and protozoa.
Oral metronidazole is absorbed well. It is distributed widely in body fluids and penetrates into cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in high concentrations. The function of metronidazole is due to an intermediate in the metronidazole reduction, which binds deoxyribonucleic acid and electron-transport proteins of organisms. This blocks nucleic acid synthesis. Metronidazole enters cells by passive diffusion. After oral administration, metronidazole shows a bioavailability greater than 90%.
It is widely distributed throughout the body and various body fluids, including bile, saliva, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and the placenta. It is less than 20% bound to plasma proteins. Hydroxylation, oxidation, and glucuronidation in the liver are part of Metronidazole's metabolism, and a portion of the drug is excreted in the urine unchanged. This drug is eliminated in the urine (from 60-80%), while 6-15% is excreted in the feces. Patients with hepatic impairment need dosage adjustments.
Metronidazole’s metabolism is in the liver and is primarily excreted through urine, but elimination is not reduced in individuals with renal insufficiency. Caution is recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease, as metronidazole metabolites may accumulate.
This drug is available in the form of a tablet, injection, oral suspension, and infusion.
AdvaCare Pharma is a trusted global supplier of Metronidazole Capsules. This medication is a part of our extensive catalog of pharmaceutical supplies available for exportation. Our manufacturing facilities are located in China, India, and the USA.
Why are we a quality Metronidazole manufacturer?
AdvaCare Pharma is a GMP manufacturer of Metronidazole Capsules. Our strategically located facilities ensure that our company has complete control over the supply chain, meaning higher quality products and lower costs for production, transportation and importation. Over the past 20 years, we have built a solid reputation as a leading Metronidazole manufacturer, one of the 60+ products we manufacture in capsule dosage form, across 65 countries where our pharmaceutical products are distributed.
Uses
What is Metronidazole used for?
It is used to treat certain anaerobic bacterial infections, such as:
- intra-abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
- skin and skin structure infections
- gynecologic infections (including endometritis)
- bacterial septicemia
- bone and joint infections, as adjuvant therapy
- central nervous system infections (including meningitis)
- lower respiratory tract infection (including pneumonia)
- endocarditis
This drug is especially efficient in the treatment process of:
- Bacteroides species infections
- Clostridium infections
- Fusobacterium infections
- Peptococcus and Peptostreptococcus infections
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Balantidium coli
- Trichomonas
- Giardia lamblia
- Eubacteria
- Anaerobic cocci
- Gardnerella vaginalis
The off-label treatment includes:
- Crohn's disease
- Prevention of preterm births
- Periodontal disease
- Helicobacter pylori infection
How should Metronidazole Capsules be used?
This medication is manufactured to be taken orally.
What dose should be taken?
Dosage may vary based on different medical indications:
- For trichomoniasis, the usual dose for adults is 250mg, taken every 8 hours. The duration of treatment is 7 days.
- For amebiasis, the usual dose is 500-750mg, taken every 8 hours for 5-10 days. For children, the usual dose is 35-50mg/kg, divided and taken every 8 hours. The duration of treatment is 10 days.
- For bacterial vaginosis, the usual dose is 400mg, taken twice per day. The duration of treatment is 7 days.
- For surgical prophylaxis, the usual dose is 1g, taken every 6-8 hours for 3 doses. Treatment should begin the evening before surgery.
The dosage is based on medical condition, response to the treatment, age, and weight. Refer to a doctor or pharmacist for guidelines on dosage. Do not exceed what they advise.
Who can use Metronidazole Capsules?
Metronidazole can be used by individuals who suffer from bacterial or protozoan infections. It is useful in the treatment process of facultative anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. It can be used for addressing protozoan parasites like Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia intestinalis. Treatment for Trichomonas vaginalis shows great results except when the patient is not in the first trimester of pregnancy. It can address infections on the skin, abdomen, heart, reproductive organs, CNS, and respiratory system.
Can pregnant and lactating women use Metronidazole Capsules?
Increased risk of carcinogenic activity has been observed in reproduction studies with metronidazole in certain animal species. Most human studies have not demonstrated an elevated risk of cancer, birth defects, or other fetal adverse effects following metronidazole use during pregnancy, some studies have reported instances of cleft lip (with or without cleft palate) in neonates born to women who took metronidazole during the 1st trimester. While some experts advise against metronidazole use in the 1st trimester, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2021 sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines suggest a single 2g dose can be employed at any stage of pregnancy to treat trichomoniasis.
Metronidazole enters breast milk, and its use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Short high-dose regimens are not recommended. Certain sources suggest discontinuing breastfeeding until 12 - 24 hours after the completion of metronidazole therapy. Manufacturers recommend avoiding treatment unless it is deemed essential. Exposure to metronidazole has been associated with candidal infections and diarrhea in infants.
Other warnings
High doses of this drug might mask syphilis symptoms. Patients who are under treatment should be monitored for signs of bone marrow depression and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Prolonged treatment process should be avoided. Patients should not consume alcohol during and after the treatment. Patients with Cockayne syndrome should have regular liver monitoring.
If metronidazole is administered for a duration exceeding 10 days, it is recommended to conduct regular clinical and laboratory monitoring. Additionally, patients should be monitored for potential adverse reactions, including peripheral and central neuropathy.
There is a possibility that even after the elimination of Trichomonas vaginalis, a gonococcal infection might persist.
Caution is advised when considering metronidazole treatment in patients with active or chronic severe neurological disorders, as the treatment may potentially worsen the existing condition.
Caution is recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease, as metronidazole metabolites may accumulate. Monitoring is advised in these cases to detect potential adverse effects associated with metronidazole, particularly central nervous system effects such as headaches, convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy, characterized mainly by numbness or abnormal sensations in extremities.
Side Effects
As with all pharmaceuticals, some unwanted effects can occur from the use of Metronidazole Capsules.
Common side effects include, but may not be limited to:
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- metallic taste
Serious adverse effects of metronidazole include:
- peripheral neuropathy
- CNS adverse effects
Other side effects include reversible neutropenia, and the disulfiram-like reaction occurs only if alcohol is ingested within 7 days of use.
At higher doses, Metronidazole can lead to peripheral neuropathy and convulsions. If convulsions or numbness of an extremity occur, the treatment should be stopped. Metronidazole administration is recommended when clinically necessary and only for its approved indications.
For a comprehensive understanding of all potential side effects, consult a medical professional.
If any symptoms persists or gets worse, or you notice any other symptoms, please call your doctor immediately.
Precautions
Do NOT use Metronidazole Capsules if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients.
- You are pregnant.
- You are taking busulfan or have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks.
- You drink alcohol, or you consume any products containing alcohol.
Before treatment, consult your doctor regarding any medications you are taking to address potential drug interactions.
This medication may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, including:
- Cockayne syndrome
- blood disease
- arrhythmia
- kidney or liver disease
- yeast or fungal infection
Patients should communicate with their healthcare providers about their use of other medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter.
Pregnant individuals should refrain from taking this drug unless specifically prescribed by a doctor after a thorough benefit-risk assessment.
Patients with renal or liver impairments should inform their healthcare providers before taking this medication.
Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy should inform their healthcare providers due to the potential transfer of the drug into breast milk, making it unsuitable for breastfeeding.
Serious adverse reactions in infants may result from maternal use.
Consumption of alcohol should be avoided while taking this medication. Alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol should not be consumed while taking this medication and for at least 3 days after the final dose. Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, sweating, and flushing (redness of the face) may be caused by alcohol and propylene glycol when taken with metronidazole.
This medication should be stored in a place inaccessible to children and pets.
Metronidazole 500mg: Why the most common dose?
Metronidazole 500mg is prescribed for its potent antimicrobial activity, effectively treating a wide range of infections including bacterial and protozoal. This higher dose ensures sufficient drug levels in the body to combat severe infections. Other available doses include Metronidazole 250mg.
References
Effectiveness of metronidazole as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Metronidazole can be included as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. This is a meta-analysis that included literature search of electronic bases while weighted mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bleeding on probing index, and suppuration.
The conclusion of this meta-analysis which included 6 studies showed that SRP in combination with metronidazole showed benefits compared to only SRP alone.
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As an industry leader, we are aware of our responsibility to provide affordable and sustainable solutions to improve healthcare worldwide.