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Metronidazole(MTZ)
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic that disrupts bacterial and parasitic DNA by generating reactive oxygen species after being reduced inside microbial cells.
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic that disrupts bacterial and parasitic DNA by generating reactive oxygen species after being reduced inside microbial cells. Used for Anaerobic bacterial infections, Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis infection), Amebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica infection).
At a glance
| Generic name | Metronidazole(MTZ) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Flagyl |
| Sponsor | Sherief Abd-Elsalam |
| Drug class | Nitroimidazole antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial/parasitic DNA |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Metronidazole is a prodrug that requires reduction by anaerobic organisms or parasites to form reactive intermediates that damage DNA and inhibit nucleic acid synthesis. It is effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoan parasites, including Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia. The drug has been used clinically for decades and is a first-line treatment for anaerobic infections and parasitic diseases.
Approved indications
- Anaerobic bacterial infections
- Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis infection)
- Amebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica infection)
- Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia infection)
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Clostridioides difficile infection
Common side effects
- Metallic taste
- Nausea
- Headache
- Peripheral neuropathy (with prolonged use)
- Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol
- Darkening of urine
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy of Nitazoxanide Based Therapy vs Standard Triple Therapy in H-pylori in Children (NA)
- Refining Treatment Options for Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection: A Comparative Analysis of Metronidazole and Secnidazole (PHASE4)
- A Study to Determine the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Aztreonam-Avibactam (ATM-AVI) ± Metronidazole (MTZ) Versus Meropenem (MER) ± Colistin (COL) for the Treatment of Serious Infections Due to Gram Negative Bacteria. (PHASE3)
- Surgical Access Combined With Systematically Administered Antibiotics in the Treatment of Peri-implantitis (NA)
- Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of ATM-AVI in the Treatment of Serious Infection Due to MBL-producing Gram-negative Bacteria (PHASE3)
- The ASPIRE Trial - Aiming for Safe Pregnancies by Reducing Malaria and Infections of the Reproductive Tract (PHASE3)
- Effect of Antibiotics on Systemic Inflammation (NA)
- Amoxicillin and Metronidazole During Periodontal Treatment (NA)
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:
- Metronidazole(MTZ) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Metronidazole(MTZ) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Sherief Abd-Elsalam portfolio CI