What Are Names of Nitroimidazoles Drugs?

Nitroimidazoles are antibiotics used to treat anaerobic bacterial infections, parasitic infections, and protozoal infections and prevent postoperative infections.

Nitroimidazoles work by disrupting the DNA of the susceptible bacteria and inhibiting the protein synthesis of the cell wall leading to cell death; they act as bactericidal and antimicrobial agents.

Nitroimidazoles are given orally as intravenous infusions and used for local applications in skin infections.

Nitroimidazoles should be used with caution in patients with a medical history of central nervous system disorders (seizures) and with blood dyscrasias (a disorder that affects blood and its components).

Nitroimidazoles are used to treat:

• Bacterial infections such as:
  • Gastrointestinal infection (diarrhea)
  • Lower respiratory infection
  • Bacterial vaginosis (an infection of the vagina)
• Parasitic infections such as:
  • Amoebiasis (parasitic infection of the intestines)
  • Amebic colitis (watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite)
  • An amebic liver abscess (collection of pus in the liver)
  • Giardiasis (intestinal infection marked by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and bouts of watery diarrhea)
• Protozoal infections such as trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease affecting the urinary tract and vagina)
• Skin infections (rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord)
• Surgical prophylaxis

The common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• The dark color of urine

Other rare side effects include:

• Lethargy/tiredness
• Ataxia (lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements)
• Seizures (sudden uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain)
• Vertigo (sensation of feeling off-balance)
• Dizziness/unsteadiness
• Mood changes
• Numbness/tingling of hands or feet
• Painful urination
• Oral thrush
• Rash on face/tongue
• Trouble breathing

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Names of nitroimidazoles include:

• Flagyl
• Flagyl ER
• Flagyl IV RTU
• Metronidazole
• Secnidazole
• Solosec
• Tindamax
• Tinidazole