Sign Out
Pharmacology: Mechanism of action: Metronidazole is a prodrug.
It is converted in anaerobic organisms by the redox enzyme pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase. The nitro group of metronidazole is chemically reduced by ferredoxin (or a ferredoxin-linked metabolic process) and the products are responsible for disrupting the DNA helical structure, thus inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis.
Metronidazole is selectively taken up by anaerobic bacteria and sensitive protozoal organisms because of the ability of these organisms to reduce metronidazole to its active form intracellularly.
Pharmacokinetics: Bioavailability: 100% (oral); 59-94% (rectal).
Metabolism: Hepatic.
Half-life: 6-7 hours.
Excretion: Renal (60-80%), biliary (6-15%).
Continue with Google