Paper II — 2013 April (2010 Scheme) — Q3

Paper II

2013 April (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Metronidazole

Q33 marksShort Notes★✓

Answer

Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial with antibacterial (anaerobic) and antiprotozoal activity.

Mechanism of action

• Enters the organism and is reduced by ferredoxin (present only in anaerobes/microaerophilic organisms) to a cytotoxic nitro-radical
• This reactive metabolite damages microbial DNA, causing strand breakage and cell death

Spectrum/uses

• Anaerobic bacterial infections (Bacteroides, Clostridium) — intra-abdominal sepsis, pelvic infections, dental infections
• Protozoal infections: Amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica), Giardiasis, Trichomoniasis
• Pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile) — alternative agent
• H. pylori eradication (as part of combination therapy)
• Surgical prophylaxis (colorectal surgery)

Adverse effects

• Metallic taste, nausea, GI upset
• Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol
• Peripheral neuropathy (with prolonged use)
• Dark/reddish-brown discolouration of urine
• Avoid in first trimester of pregnancy

Related Concepts

1. 1Antimicrobials General Considerations

Other Years Asked

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5. 5Management of Hospital Acquired Infections.2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
6. 6Metronidazole.2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
7. 7Superinfection2021 December (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
8. 8Antibiotic resistance2019 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
9. 9Metronidazole2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
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11. 11Chemoprophylaxis of surgical site infection2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
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13. 13Specify the important spectrum of vancomycin2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
14. 14Prophylaxis of rheumatic fever2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
15. 15Mention four uses of metronidazole2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
16. 16Rationale of combining trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole2018 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
17. 17Urinary tract infections2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
18. 18What is post antibiotic effect and mention one example2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
19. 19Assertion (A): Ticarcillin is combined with Gentamicin for Pseudomonas infection, especially in neutropenic patients. Reason (R): Ticarcillin inhibits cell wall synthesis and Gentamicin inhibits protein synthesis and both of them are bactericidal.2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
20. 20Prevention of AIDS in the new born2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
21. 21Pseudomembranous colitis.2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
22. 22Drugs for urinary tract infection2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
23. 23Norfloxacin in urinary tract infection2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks