What is Metronidazole 250 mg used for?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Metronidazole 250 mg is a highly effective nitroimidazole antimicrobial. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this molecule as a “dual-threat” agent because it possesses both potent antibacterial properties against anaerobes and significant antiprotozoal activity.

Primary Clinical Uses

  • Amoebiasis & Giardiasis: Treatment of intestinal and extra-intestinal infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia.

  • Trichomoniasis: A first-line treatment for this common parasitic sexually transmitted infection (STI).

  • Anaerobic Bacterial Infections: Used for intra-abdominal infections, skin/skin structure infections, and bone/joint infections caused by Gram-negative anaerobic bacilli like Bacteroides fragilis.

  • Dental Infections: Highly effective for acute dental abscesses, infected gums (ANUG), and pericoronitis.

  • H. pylori Eradication: Often part of a “triple therapy” regimen to treat stomach ulcers.

  • Bacterial Vaginosis: A standard treatment for resolving vaginal flora imbalances.

Mechanism of Action: DNA Fragmentation

Metronidazole is a prodrug that is selectively activated within the target organism.

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

  2. Formation of Reactive Radicals: This reduction creates highly unstable, short-lived toxic intermediate compounds and free radicals.

  3. DNA Disruption: These radicals attack the microbial DNA, causing strand breakage and loss of helical structure.

  4. Bactericidal Effect: The damage to the DNA inhibits nucleic acid synthesis, leading to rapid cell death of the pathogen.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and global trade standpoint, Metronidazole 250 mg is a high-volume “Essential Medicine”:

  • The “Metallic Taste” Challenge: Metronidazole has a distinctively bitter, metallic taste. As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we often utilize specialized film-coating to mask this taste, improving patient compliance—a major selling point for your B2B clients.

  • Drug-Alcohol Interaction: As a pharmacist, you know the importance of the Disulfiram-like reaction. We ensure our Product Information Leaflet (PIL) and packaging carry clear warnings against alcohol consumption during treatment.

  • Stability for Global Trade: Metronidazole is relatively stable but light-sensitive. At our Mumbai facility, we utilize opaque PVC/PVDC or Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life for export to Zone IVb regions.

  • B2B & Dossier Support: This is a staple for general practitioners and dental clinics. We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support international registration against the innovator (Flagyl).

 

What is Metronidazole 200mg tablets used for?

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).

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