Metronidazole
Antimicrobial Activity Against Anaerobes: Metronidazole demonstrates selective activity against anaerobic microorganisms through inhibition of microbial DNA synthesis, ultimately inducing cellular death.
Comprehensive Antimicrobial Coverage: This therapeutic agent is indicated for diverse infections involving respiratory, gastrointestinal, abdominal, dermatological, and central nervous systems caused by anaerobic bacteria.
Established Therapeutic Standard: Designated by WHO since 1978 as the reference therapeutic agent for oral anaerobic infections.
Extensive Clinical Implementation: Employed ubiquitously in both therapeutic and prophylactic protocols for serious anaerobic infections including pericarditis and septicemia.
Metronidazole, a nitroimidazole derivative antimicrobial agent, demonstrates specific activity against anaerobic microorganisms. Its biologically reduced metabolites manifest comparable anti-anaerobic effects through inhibition of bacterial DNA synthesis, ultimately disrupting cellular proliferation and viability. The antibiotic's spectrum encompasses numerous anaerobic pathogens such as Bacteroides fragilis, Fusobacterium species (distinguished by their tapered spindle morphology), Clostridium tetani, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, and Giardia.
Melting point | 159-161 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | 301.12°C (rough estimate) |
density | 1.3994 (rough estimate) |
refractive index | 1.5800 (estimate) |
Fp | 9℃ |
storage temp. | 2-8°C |
solubility | acetic acid: 0.1 M, clear, faintly yellow |
form | crystalline |
pka | pKa 2.62(H2O,t =25±0.2,Iundefined) (Uncertain) |
color | white to light yellow |
Water Solubility | <0.1 g/100 mL at 20 ºC |
Merck | 146157 |
BRN | 611683 |
BCS Class | 1,3 |
Stability: | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
InChIKey | VAOCPAMSLUNLGC-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
LogP | -0.02 |
IARC | 2B (Vol. 13, Sup 7) 1987 |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Metronidazole(443-48-1) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Metronidazole (443-48-1) |
Safety Information | |
Hazard Codes | Xn |
Risk Statements | 40-46-45-39/23/24/25-23/24/25-11 |
Safety Statements | 36/37-45-53-16-7 |
WGK Germany | 3 |
RTECS | NI5600000 |
F | 8 |
HS Code | 29332990 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 443-48-1(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Originally developed for trichomoniasis treatment with notable therapeutic efficacy, subsequent investigations revealed its effectiveness against oral anaerobic infections. The World Health Organization designated it in 1978 as the definitive therapy for anaerobic infections, establishing its widespread application in managing oral anaerobic conditions. Clinically, it is routinely utilized for prophylaxis and treatment of anaerobic infections involving respiratory, gastrointestinal, abdominal, pelvic, dermatological, osteoarticular, and soft tissue systems, along with serious conditions including pericarditis, septicemia, and central nervous system infections.
