In the pharmaceutical industry, Metronidazole 200 mg is a highly effective nitroimidazole antimicrobial. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as a “dual-threat” medication because it acts as both a potent antibacterial and an antiprotozoal agent. It is specifically designed to target anaerobic organisms—bacteria that thrive in environments without oxygen.

Primary Clinical Uses

• Amoebiasis and Giardiasis: Treatment of intestinal infections caused by protozoa, often resulting from contaminated food or water.

• Trichomoniasis: A common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

• Dental Infections: Used for acute periapical abscesses and gingivitis (specifically Vincent’s Angina).

• Bacterial Vaginosis: Clearing infections caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria.

• Post-Operative Prophylaxis: Used during abdominal or gynecological surgeries to prevent infections from anaerobic gut bacteria.

• H. pylori Eradication: Often part of a triple-therapy regimen for treating stomach ulcers.

Mechanism of Action: The Free Radical Attack

Metronidazole is a prodrug that is only activated within the anaerobic cell.

elective Reduction: The nitro group of Metronidazole is reduced by the electron transport proteins (like ferredoxin) found only in anaerobic organisms.

DNA Fragmentation: This reduction creates highly reactive short-lived free radicals.

Cell Death: These radicals attack the microbial DNA, causing strand breakage and inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, which leads to rapid cell death. Because aerobic cells (like human cells) lack these specific transport proteins, they are largely unaffected.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export

From a production and global trade standpoint, Metronidazole 200 mg is a high-volume essential medicine:

• The “Metallic Taste” Challenge: Metronidazole is notoriously bitter. As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we focus on high-quality film-coating to mask the taste, which significantly improves patient compliance—a major selling point for your B2B export clients.

• Dosage Flexibility: While 400 mg is common, the 200 mg strength is vital for pediatric dosing and for specific titration in elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment.

• Stability for Tropical Export: Metronidazole is light-sensitive. At our Mumbai-based facility, we utilize Amber-colored PVC/PVDC or Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life for export to Zone IVb regions (Africa and Southeast Asia).

• B2B & Public Health Tenders: This is a core item for the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support international registration against the innovator (Flagyl).