How does metronidazole work for Giardia?

How does metronidazole work for Giardia?

Metronidazole utilizes the anaerobic metabolic pathways present in Giardia. The drug enters the trophozoite, and once it is within the cell, electron transport protein ferredoxins from the parasite donate electrons to the nitro group of the drug 223, 238, 244.

How does metronidazole work against parasites?

In anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria or luminal parasites, metronidazole is activated when it receives an electron from ferredoxin or flavodoxin that was reduced by POR (9, 36, 37, 40, 47, 61, 68, 72, 87, 88).

Why is metronidazole used?

Metronidazole capsules and tablets are used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, heart, bone, joint, lung, blood, nervous system, and other areas of the body. Metronidazole capsules and tablets are also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What is the pharmacological class of metronidazole?

Metronidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials.

Does metronidazole cure Giardia?

Many people who do have problems often get better on their own in a few weeks. When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors usually treat giardia infection with medications such as: Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection.

How does metronidazole help diarrhea?

Many veterinarians prescribe metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic, for the treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs. 1, 10, 13 It has a broad spectrum of activity against anaerobic bacteria including potential enteric pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens, and antiprotozoal activity is observed at higher dosages.

What class of antibiotic is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

When will metronidazole start working?

Metronidazole starts to work 1 to 2 hours after you take it, because it is quickly absorbed, and it reaches its maximum concentration after 20 minutes to 3 hours. But it may take a couple of days before you start to feel better or notice an improvement in your symptoms.

What is the best antibiotic for Giardia?

Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth. Don’t drink alcohol while taking this medication.

Does metronidazole cause diarrhea?

Metronidazole side effects are notorious for causing an upset stomach and killing your appetite. For many people, the nausea — and even vomiting — can occur just from the bad taste. Heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea can occur, too.

What is the indication of metronidazole?

Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of confirmed trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (except for in the first trimester of pregnancy) and the patient’s sexual partners, bacterial vaginosis 16, certain types of amebiasis, and various anaerobic infections.

Can metronidazole be used to treat Giardia?

Metronidazole was shown to be efficacious against Entamoeba histolytica, the cause of amebic dysentery and liver abscess, in 1966 (67). Giardia lamblia(also known as G. duodenalis) was treated with metronidazole after this luminal parasite was recognized as a cause of malabsorption and epigastric pain in the 1970s (102).

What is the mechanism of action of metronidazole?

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. The mechanism of action of metronidazole has been thoroughly studied, particularly in Giardia—the cause of giardiasis.

How is metronidazole used to treat trichomoniasis?

Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of confirmed trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (except for in the first trimester of pregnancy) and the patient’s sexual partners, bacterial vaginosis 16, certain types of amebiasis, and various anaerobic infections.

How is metronidazole absorbed and excreted?

Metronidazole is almost completely absorbed from the small intestines; little unabsorbed drug reaches the colon. It is widely distributed in the body, attaining therapeutic concentration in vaginal secretion, semen, saliva and CSF. It is metabolized in liver primarily by oxidation and glucuronide conjugation, and excreted in urine.