Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled, living organisms that thrive in environments in which there is little oxygen (anaerobic environments) and can cause disease in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess), and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and the Fallopian tubes). Giardia lamblia and ameba are intestinal parasites that can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea in infected individuals. Trichomonas is a vaginal parasite that causes inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis). Metronidazole selectively blocks some of the functions within the bacterial cells and the parasites resulting in their death.

Identifiers

CAS number 443-48-1

ATC code A01AB17 , D06BX01, G01AF01, J01XD01, P01AB01, QP51AA01

Chemical data

Formula C6H9N3O3

Mol. mass 171.15 g/mol

Physical data

Melt. point 159-163 °C (318-325 °F)