Metronidazole Oral Suspension is indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of infections in which anaerobic bacteria have been identified or are suspected as the pathogen.

Metronidazole Oral Suspension is active against a wide range of pathogenic micro-organisms, notably Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli and other species of bacteroides, fusobacteria, eubacteria, clostridia, gardnerella vaginalis and anaerobic cocci.

Pharmacodynamic:
The selective action of this compound against anaerobes and anoxic and hypoxic cells is due to the mode of action. The nitro group of metronidazole acts as electron acceptor and is thus reduced to a chemically reactive drug form. This produces biochemical lesions in the cells, thus causing death. The major site of action is believed to be DNA, where it causes loss of the helical structure and inhibits synthesis.

Pharmacokinetic:
It is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract and widely distributed in body tissues. Half life in plasma is about 8-10 hours. About 10% is bound to plasma proteins.

It penetrates well into body tissues and fluids, including vaginal secretions, seminal fluid, saliva and breast milk. Therapeutic concentrations are also achieved in cerebrospinal fluid.

Unchanged metronidazole and several metabolites are excreted in the urine, the liver is the main site of metabolism and the major metabolites are as a result of side chain oxidation, forming glucuronides.