Semester Added: 1st
Assigned Medication:
Generic Name:
Drug Class:
Metronidazole
Trade Name:
Antiprotozoals
Routes Available:
Flagyl
PO, IV, Topical, Vaginal
Mechanism of Action
(MOA):
Disrupts DNA and protein
synthesis in susceptible
organisms.
Why would a client be
receiving this
medication?
2nd
3rd
4th
Onset
Peak
Duration
PO
Rapid
1-3hrs
8hrs
IV
Rapid
End of
infusion
6-8hrs
What assessment data is
needed prior to
administration?
Expected Side Effects
Assess for infection at
beginning of and
throughout therapy
Abdominal pain, nausea,
dizziness, headache.
Potential Adverse Effects
To treat vaginosis
and Trichomoniasis
Aseptic meningitis,
encephalopathy (IV),
Stevens-Johnsons
Syndrome (SJS)
What is the expected
therapeutic effect?
Bactericidal,
Trichomonacidal, or
amebicidal action.
What evaluation data is
needed following
administration?
Potential interactions
(drugs/foods/
supplements)
-Resolution of Signs and
symptoms of infection
Cimetidine may increase
levels and risk of toxicity.
-significant results should
be seen within 3weeks of
application of topical gel.
Application may be
continued for 9 weeks.
Phenobarbital and
rifampin may decrease
levels and effectiveness.
Increase risk of
leukopenia with
fluorouracil or
azathioprine.
What do you need to teach the client about this medication?
-instruct patient to take medication as directed with evenly spaced times between doses
-Notify HCP if rash occurs.
-inform patient about the unpleasant metallic smell from the medication.
Assigned Medication:
Semester Added: 1st
Nursing considerations/implications:
-Do not confuse metronidazole with Metformin.
-PO: Administer on empty stomach or may administer with food or milk to minimize GI irritation.
-administer premixed injection (500 mg/100ml) undiluted.
2nd
3rd
4th