Last reviewed · How we verify
Comparator: ceftriaxone + metronidazole
This is a fixed-dose combination of two antibiotics: ceftriaxone (a third-generation cephalosporin) inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, while metronidazole is a nitroimidazole that disrupts anaerobic bacterial DNA.
This is a fixed-dose combination of two antibiotics: ceftriaxone (a third-generation cephalosporin) inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, while metronidazole is a nitroimidazole that disrupts anaerobic bacterial DNA. Used for Intra-abdominal infections (polymicrobial), Gynecological infections, Anaerobic bacterial infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | Comparator: ceftriaxone + metronidazole |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Beta-lactam antibiotic + nitroimidazole combination |
| Target | Bacterial cell wall (ceftriaxone); anaerobic bacterial DNA (metronidazole) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ceftriaxone binds to penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits cross-linking of peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis. Metronidazole is reduced by anaerobic bacteria to form reactive intermediates that damage DNA and proteins. Together, they provide broad-spectrum coverage against aerobic gram-negative, gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria.
Approved indications
- Intra-abdominal infections (polymicrobial)
- Gynecological infections
- Anaerobic bacterial infections
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Hypersensitivity reactions (cephalosporin)
- Metallic taste (metronidazole)
- Pseudomembranous colitis
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety of Ertapenem Sodium (MK-0826) Following Colorectal Surgery in Chinese Adults (MK-0826-056) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Ertapenem Versus Ceftriaxone/Metronidazole in the Treatment of Intra-abdominal Infections in Adults (0826-802) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate Ertapenem Versus It's Comparator in the Treatment of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections in Adults (0826-050)(COMPLETED) (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: