what bacteria does metronidazole kill

Precautions

trouble with speaking. unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination. unusual bleeding or bruising. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

What are the adverse effects of metronidazole?

What STDs Does Metronidazole Treat? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the oral antibiotic metronidazole is an effective cure for trichomoniasis, the most common curable sexually transmitted disease.

What type of STD does metronidazole treat?

Therefore, metronidazole is not indicated when broad-spectrum antibiotics such as aminopenicillins with β-lactam inhibitors or carbapenems and select cephalosporins are used. Copyright © 2017 The Authors.

Is metronidazole a broad spectrum antibiotic?

No: Flagyl is only available by prescription. You can try OTC Benadryl (diphenhydramine) cream externally but if the area is irritated, any topical lotio... Read More Can you buy flagyl over-the-counter to treat trichamonas? Flagyl: Metrondiazole is still only available in the U.S. By prescription.

Is Flagyl over the counter?

What type of bacteria does metronidazole treat?

Metronidazole is highly active against gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, such as B. fragilis, and gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, such as C. difficile. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug are favorable, and it is available as oral, intravenous, vaginal, and topical formulations.

Does metronidazole kill gut bacteria?

Metronidazole is bactericidal (kills bacteria) and is also used to treat protozaol infections like Trichomoniasis, Giardiasis or Amebiasis. It's used to treat ominous sounding organisms such as Bacteriodes fragilis, Helicobacter pylori, and Giardia lamblia.

Does metronidazole treat all bacterial infections?

The extended-release tablets are used to treat women with vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis). Metronidazole belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Does metronidazole kill E coli?

However, the metronidazole-mediated killing of E. coli is documented. The rate of kill and liberation of acetamide, a major product formed after the reduction of metronidazole and heterocycle fission, is higher in B.

How do I know if metronidazole is working?

by Drugs.com Metronidazole starts to work 1 to 2 hours after you take it, because it is quickly absorbed, and it reaches its maximum concentration after 20 minutes to 3 hours. But it may take a couple of days before you start to feel better or notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Can metronidazole treat UTI and BV?

Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial infections in different areas of the body. The extended-release tablets are used to treat women with vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis). Metronidazole belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics.

What is the strongest antibiotic for bacterial infection?

Vancomycin, long considered a "drug of last resort," kills by preventing bacteria from building cell walls.

What is the target of metronidazole?

Metronidazole has activity against protozoans like Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis, for which the drug was first approved as an effective treatment. Anaerobic bacteria which are typically sensitive are primarily Gram-negative anaerobes belonging to the Bacteroides and Fusobacterium spp.

Why would a doctor prescribe metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It's used to treat skin infections, rosacea and mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses. It's also used to treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Does metronidazole kill tapeworms?

The parasitic infection best known to parents is pinworms, but others include malaria, tapeworms, hookworms, and trichinosis. Some antibacterials also work against parasites. Metronidazole can block the reproduction cycle of some parasites as well as some bacteria.

Does metronidazole kill Giardia?

Medication Options Several drugs can be used to treat Giardia infection. Effective treatments include metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide. Other medications include paromomycin, quinacrine, and furazolidone. Some of these drugs may not be readily available in the United States.

Does metronidazole kill Lactobacillus?

In vitro studies have shown that clindamycin and metronidazole inhibit Lactobacillus spp. at concentrations lower than doses topically applied for treatment (Aroutcheva et al., 2001b and Simoes et al., 2001).

Should you take a probiotic with metronidazole?

Take a probiotic Using a probiotic while taking antibiotic therapy such as oral metronidazole can help reduce side effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea. Probiotics can help supplement the intestines with good bacteria that may have been damaged with an antibiotic.

How long does it take for gut bacteria to recover after antibiotics?

After an antibiotic course, recovery of the gut microbiome can take some time. In general, after short-term antibiotic use (between five and ten days), studies have observed it can take at least one to two months for most bacterial groups to recover to pre-antibiotic levels2,3,13–16.

How do I repair my gut after antibiotics?

Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and restore your gut microbiota to a healthy state. What's more, eating high-fiber foods, fermented foods and prebiotic foods after taking antibiotics may also help reestablish a healthy gut microbiota.

Is metronidazole a broad spectrum antibiotic?

Flagyl , known as metronidazole or by the brand name Protostat, is an antibacterial drug that is classified as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. 1 Metronidazole is used to treat certain bacterial infections or protozoal infections (a type of parasite).

What happens if you drink alcohol with metronidazole?

Drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole is not recommended because the combination of metronidazole and alcohol can cause a reaction (often ref...

How long does it take for metronidazole to work?

Metronidazole starts to work 1 to 2 hours after you take it, because it is quickly absorbed, and it reaches its maximum concentration after 20 minu...

Can you have sex while taking metronidazole?

If you are taking oral metronidazole or using metronidazole gel for an infection that is linked with sexual activity, such as trichomoniasis, pelvi...

Does metronidazole treat chlamydia?

Metronidazole does not treat chlamydia and is not a recommended treatment for chlamydia, but it may be given if symptoms of chlamydia persist after...

Can metronidazole cause a yeast infection?

About 10% of women report a vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) as a side effect of metronidazole treatment. This is because metronidazol...

How does metronidazole work?

The mechanism of action of metronidazole occurs through a four-step process. Step one is the entry into the organism by diffusion across the cell membranes of anaerobic and aerobic pathogens. However, antimicrobial effects are limited to anaerobes.[7]

How does metronidazole affect DNA?

Metronidazole diffuses into the organism, inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with DNA and causing a loss of helical DNA structure and strand breakage. Therefore, it causes cell death in susceptible organisms. The mechanism of action of metronidazole occurs through a four-step process.

What are the side effects of metronidazole?

The primary adverse effects of metronidazole include confusion, peripheral neuropathy, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adverse events seen in greater than 10% of the population include headache (18%), vaginitis (15%), and nausea (10% to 12%).

What bacteria are susceptible to Bay Y3118?

Susceptibilities of 428 gram-positive and -negative anaerobic bacteria to Bay y3118 compared with their susceptibilities to ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, metronidazole, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cefoxitin.

What is the step 3 of cytotoxic interactions?

Step three, interactions with intracellular targets, is achieved by cytotoxic particles interacting with host cell DNA resulting in DNA strand breakage and fatal destabilization of the DNA helix.[9] Step four is the breakdown of cytotoxic products.

Is metronidazole cytotoxic?

Metronidazole is also cytotoxic to facultatively ana erobic bacteria likeHelicobacter pyloriand Gardnerella vaginalis, but the mechanism of action to these pathogens is not well understood. [7] Administration. Metronidazole may be administered orally, intravenously, or topically.

Can metronidazole cause neurotoxicity?

Additional warnings and precautions for metronidazole exist. Prolonged courses of the drug can cause severe neurological disturbances due to the risk of cumulative neurotoxicity. Monitor for neurologic sequela and discontinue therapy if any abnormal neurologic symptoms occur. [19][22]Prolonged use may also result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis. There are reports of CDAD even after more than 2 months of postantibiotic treatment. Candidiasis infection may also be more prominent during metronidazole treatment. [19][23]

How does metronidazole affect DNA?

Once absorbed, metronidazole diffuses into susceptible organisms, where it becomes active and detrimentally affects DNA synthesis and degradation in the organism, causing cell death. However, the exact way metronidazole works is unknown. Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles. 2.

What are the side effects of metronidazole?

Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, nausea, diarrhea, an unpleasant metallic taste, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage to fingers and toes), ...

How long after taking metronidazole can you drink alcohol?

Avoid alcohol or products containing propylene glycol (found in some flavored iced teas, frostings, and salad dressings) while taking metronidazole, and for three days after the course of metronidazole has finished.

How long does metronidazole last?

For some infections, metronidazole may be given as a single dose. For other types of infections, it may need to be taken for seven to ten days, or even longer. Do not use metronidazole to treat infections other than the one you have been prescribed it for.

What is metronidazole used for?

Interactions. 1. How it works. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of anaerobic infections caused by susceptible bacteria or parasites. Anaerobic means "living without air".

What class is metronidazole?

Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles.

Can you take metronidazole if you have antabuse?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication, including that bought over-the-counter, because it may not be compatible with metronidazole. Do not take metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past two weeks.

What is a Bacteroides infection?

an infection due to Trichomonas vaginalis. an infection. meningitis caused by the bacteria Bacteroides. infection of a joint caused by Bacteroides. diabetic foot infection. heart valve infection caused by the bacteria Bacteroides. pneumonia caused by the bacteria Bacteroides.

What causes an infection of the abdominal cavity lining?

infection of abdominal cavity lining due to Clostridium. infection of the abdominal lining caused by Peptococcus. peritonitis caused by Peptostreptococcus bacteria. infection of the abdominal lining caused by Eubacterium. abscess within the abdomen caused by Bacteroides.

What is the infection of the uterine lining caused by?

infection of uterine lining caused by Peptostreptococcus. infection of lining of the uterus caused by Bacteroides. infection of tissues of the uterus caused by Bacteroides. infection of tissues of the uterus caused by Clostridium. infection of tissues of the uterus caused by Peptococcus.

Is metronidazole good for C difficile?

Advantages to using metronidazole are the percentage of sensitive Gram-negative anaerobes, its availability as oral and intravenous dosage forms, its rapid bacterial killing, its good tissue penetration, its considerably lower chance of inducing C. difficile colitis, and expense.

Is metronidazole still used?

Although the use of metronidazole on a global scale has been curtailed by newer agents for various infections, metronidazole still has a role for these and other therapeutic uses. Many clinicians still consider metronidazole to be the 'gold standard' antibiotic against which all other antibiotics with anaerobic activity should be compared.

Is metronidazole a Gram negative antibiotic?

The nitroimidazole antibiotic metronidazole has a limited spectrum of activity that encompasses various protozoans and most Gram-negative and Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria. Metronidazole has activity against protozoans like Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis, for which the drug was first approved as an effective ...

Is metronidazole effective for brain abscesses?

Metronidazole has notable effectiveness in treating anaerobic brain abscesses. Metronidazole is a cost-effective agent due to its low acquisition cost, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, an acceptable adverse effect profile, and its undiminished antimicrobial activity.

How long does it take for a person to feel better after taking metronidazole?

Most people begin to feel better after a few days of taking metronidazole or Flagyl. However, even if you feel better, the infection may still be present, which is why it's important to take the full course of medication as prescribed.

What is flagyl used for?

Uses. Flagyl is used to fight off, or to prevent, a bacterial infection. 3  It is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including those in the abdomen, bones, joints, nervous system, respiratory tract, and skin, as well as vaginal and intestinal infections.

How long after taking Flagyl can you drink alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed until 72 hours (3 days) after the last dose of Flagyl is taken. Consuming alcohol while taking Flagyl could result in abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing.

What medications interact with Flagyl?

Flagyl could interact with several drugs. 8  Tell the prescribing physician about all drugs and nutritional supplements, especially those from the following list, which may interact with Flagyl: 1 Alcohol 2 Amprenavir 3 Anticoagulants (such as warfarin) 4 Antabuse (disulfiram) 5 Barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions) 6 Carbamazepine 7 Cimetidine 8 Disulfiram (Antabuse) 9 Dofetilide 10 Fluorouracil 11 Lithium 9  12 Methadone 13 Phenytoin 14 Sirolimus 15 Tacrolimus

What are the side effects of Flagyl?

Side Effects. The most serious side effects of Flagyl are seizures and tingling or numbness in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet). 7  If these symptoms start, stop taking Flagyl and call a doctor immediately. Other side effects include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

What to do if you miss a dose of Flagyl?

When a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered. If the next dose should be taken soon, just take that dose. Don't double up or take more than one dose of Flagyl at a time.

Can you take flagyl while pregnant?

Flagyl should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. 5 . Notify the prescribing doctor if you become pregnant while you are taking Flagyl. Flagyl passes into breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. It should be used with care in people who are breastfeeding.

How does metronidazole work?

Metronidazole is active against a variety of protozoa and bacteria. It enters the cell as a prodrug by passive diffusion and is activated in either the cytoplasm of the bacteria or specific organelles in the protozoa, whereas drug-resistant cells are deficient in drug activation. The metronidazole molecule is converted to a short-lived nitroso free radical by intracellular reduction, which includes the transfer of an electron to the nitro group of the drug. This form of the drug is cytotoxic and can interact with the DNA molecule. The actual mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated but includes the inhibition of DNA synthesis and DNA damage by oxidation, causing single-strand and double-strand breaks that lead to DNA degradation and cell death. The activated reduced metronidazole molecule binds nonspecifically to bacterial DNA, inactivating the organism's DNA and enzymes and leading to a high level of DNA breakage, with immediate action of the drug but no cell lysis [ 10, 11 ]. Aerobic cells lack electron-transport proteins with sufficient negative redox potential; therefore, the drug is active against only bacteria with anaerobic metabolisms, even though the drug is effective against some microaerophils, such as H. pylori. In addition, reoxidation can occur in the presence of molecular oxygen and can convert the compound back to its original inactive form [ 12 ]. Electron donors involved in the reduction process vary, depending on the organism. In anaerobic bacteria, the electron acceptors flavodoxin and ferredoxin, which receive electrons from the pyruvate-ferredoxin oxireductase complex, play important roles, although other enzymes and electron transfer components may also be involved in the process. Each of these acceptors has a reduction potential lower than that of the metronidazole molecule and will thereby donate its electrons to the drug [ 12 ]. In H. pylori, a separate mechanism seems to be involved in metronidazole susceptibility that includes a 2-electron transfer step in the reduction of the compound using an oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase (rdxA). Metronidazole-resistant clones are typically mutated in the rdxA gene [ 10, 13 ].

How does metronidazole resistance work?

Several mechanisms of resistance to metronidazole in anaerobic bacteria have been proposed. These mechanisms differ among organisms, but the primary basis for resistance is decreased uptake of the drug or altered reduction efficiency ( Table 3 ). These 2 mechanisms act together; decreased activity of the nitroreductase leads to decreased uptake of the drug. Other mechanisms include active efflux, inactivation of the drug, and increased DNA damage repair [ 10 ]. Specific resistance genes (nim) conferring resistance to nitroimidazoles have been isolated in different genera of gram-positive and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, including Bacteroides species [ 14, 15 ]. Transfer of these genes has been shown to confer resistance to metronidazole in recipients infected with susceptible virus [ 16 ]. The nim genes encode an alternative reductase that can convert nitroimidazole to a nontoxic derivative, thereby circumventing the toxic effect that causes breakage of the DNA [ 12, 17 ]. Thus far, 7 members of the genes—from nim A through nim G—have been found, although the detection of new variants indicates the existence of an even higher variety of these genes in the anaerobic community than was initially expected. Studies on the prevalence of the nim genes have recorded an overrepresentation of nim A among anaerobes [ 15 ]. The nim genes are usually found on low-copy plasmids but have also been located on the bacterial chromosome and have been shown to be transferable by a conjugative process. Specific regulatory elements known as insertion sequences are often associated with the nim genes. The insertion sequence elements are mobile and thought to be involved in plasticity of prokaryote genomes. They have been assigned a role in the expression of several resistance genes in Bacteroides species, including those for metronidazole, erythromycin-clindamycin, cefoxitin, and carbapenems. These elements can be found on the bacterial chromosome, on plasmids, and in multiple copies [ 18 ].

What are the mechanisms of resistance in Bacteroides?

Other mechanisms that may contribute to resistance in Bacteroides species include efflux pumps. Few or no data exist on any efflux system in Bacteroides species, but overexpression of the efflux pumps is often involved in multidrug resistance in other species and for other antibiotics. Pumbwe et al [ 20, 21] suggest that efflux overexpression plays a role in metronidazole resistance and can cause low to intermediate resistance to fluoroquinolones and high resistance to β-lactams in clinical Bacteroides strains. This mechanism could play an important role in the increased number of isolated clinical multidrug-resistant strains that lack any of the known nim genes. Additional investigations are needed. The alteration of DNA repair systems playing a role in metronidazole resistance in H. pylori is another incompletely studied mechanism in Bacteroides strains. Overexpression of the enzymes involved in the process is correlated with decreased antibiotic susceptibility. A strong candidate is the recA protein; mutants deficient in its expression are sensitive to oxygen stress and to the action of metronidazole. Other genes in the rec family have also been suggested for a role in DNA repair, although they have not been as well studied [ 22 ].

What is the role of microflora in antibiotic resistance?

The normal microflora serve as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistance determinants, where some dissemination of resistance can occur [ 29, 30 ]. Virtually all genes in Bacteroides species that encode resistance to antibiotics, including metro-nidazole, have been found on transmissible elements [ 18, 31 ]. This transferability may contribute to the spread of resistance; thus far, resistance to metronidazole has remained low.

Which group is Metronidazole resistant?

Metronidazole resistance among clinical isolates belonging to the Bacteroides fragilis group: time to be concerned?

Which group of bacteria is the most commonly encountered anaerobic pathogen?

Bacteria belonging to the B. fragilis group are clinically the most frequently encountered anaerobic pathogens. Metronidazole has been the drug of choice for the treatment of Bacteroides infection and remains reliable for this use [ 49 ]. The first metronidazole-resistant Bacteroides strain was reported in 1978 [ 50 ].

What are the most common adverse reactions to metronidazole?

Rare serious adverse reactions, including convulsive seizures and peripheral neuropathy, characterized mainly by numbness or paresthesia of an extremity, have been reported in patients receiving prolonged metronidazole treatment.

How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

Interactions

Further Information