Metronidazole Infusion

Mechanism of action: Penetrates into anaerobic bacteria and protozoan cells, reduces the nitro group to amino group, interferes with pathogenic microorganisms DNA synthesis and replication, exerts potent bactericidal and anti-protozoal effect. High sensitivity to most anaerobic Gram-positive/negative bacteria, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia lamblia; no antibacterial effect on aerobic bacteria and facultative anaerobes.

Indications: Moderate to severe infections caused by sensitive anaerobic bacteria, including abdominal infection, pelvic infection, central nervous system infection, respiratory tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection, sepsis; intestinal/hepatic amebiasis, vaginal trichomoniasis, giardiasis; adjuvant therapy for mixed infections combined with other antibiotics.

Usage and dosage: Intravenous infusion only, avoid rapid intravenous injection. Adult: 0.5g once, 2 times a day, slow infusion for more than 30 minutes per dose; maximum daily dose 2.0g for severe infection. Pediatric: 7.5mg per kg body weight each time, 2~3 times a day, adjust dosage by age and condition, treatment course 7~14 days. Renal insufficiency patients no dosage adjustment needed, hepatic insufficiency patients reduce dosage properly.

Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients allergic to this product, nitroimidazole derivatives and any excipients; contraindicated in patients with active central nervous system diseases (epilepsy, encephalopathy) and hematological diseases; contraindicated in first-trimester pregnant women.

Cautious population: Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency; use with caution in patients with peptic ulcer, gastritis and gastrointestinal bleeding history; second and third trimester pregnant women use cautiously after risk-benefit assessment; lactating women suspend breastfeeding during medication and within 24h after withdrawal; elderly patients use with reduced dosage; infants and young children use under strict medical guidance.

Adverse reactions: Common nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, metallic taste in mouth and mild gastrointestinal discomfort; dizziness, headache, fatigue, insomnia and other central nervous symptoms; occasional rash, pruritus, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and elevated transaminase; rare peripheral neuritis, numbness of limbs, convulsion and ataxia (more common in long-term/high-dose use); a small number of patients have phlebitis at infusion site, adverse reaction rate is slightly lower than injection formulation.

Notes: Infuse slowly (≥30min/100ml) to reduce vascular irritation and phlebitis; strictly prohibit drinking alcohol and alcoholic beverages during medication and within 7 days after withdrawal, prevent disulfiram reaction (flushing, headache, vomiting, palpitations, hypotension); do not mix with other drugs in the same infusion bottle; long-term medication monitor blood routine and liver function regularly; complete the full course of treatment to avoid anaerobic bacteria drug resistance.