How Does Metronidazole Work?
In order to work,
metronidazole must enter the bacteria or parasite cell. The cells then cause a chemical reaction to occur with the medication. This reaction produces free radicals, molecules that can damage and destroy cells. This is presumably how the medication works to kill bacteria or parasites.
Metronidazole Use in Children
Oral metronidazole is only approved to treat amebic infections in children. Other forms of the medication are not licensed for use in children.
Is Metronidazole Used for Off-Label Reasons?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend metronidazole for something other than the infections discussed in this article (this is known as an "
off-label" use). This medicine is frequently used off-label to treat many other types of infections, particularly if they are caused by bacteria that are susceptible to metronidazole. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat
Crohn's disease.
Metronidazole is available in combination with other medications to treat H. pylori infections to reduce the risk of recurrence of intestinal ulcers. However, it is not approved to be used alone for this use.
Previous