Last reviewed · How we verify

Amoxicillin, Metronidazole

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis while metronidazole disrupts anaerobic bacterial DNA, providing broad-spectrum coverage against aerobic and anaerobic pathogens.

Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis while metronidazole disrupts anaerobic bacterial DNA, providing broad-spectrum coverage against aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. Used for Helicobacter pylori infection (as part of triple or quadruple therapy), Polymicrobial infections involving aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Intra-abdominal infections.

At a glance

Generic nameAmoxicillin, Metronidazole
SponsorShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Drug classBeta-lactam antibiotic + nitroimidazole antibiotic combination
TargetPenicillin-binding proteins (amoxicillin); anaerobic DNA (metronidazole)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that binds to penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits peptidoglycan cross-linking in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole that generates reactive intermediates in anaerobic organisms, causing DNA strand breaks and cell death. Together, this combination targets both aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as anaerobes.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results