Bioavailability File: Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antimicrobial nitroimidazole derivative, which was originally introduced to treat Trichomonas vaginalis but nowadays is used for the treatment of anaerobic and protozoal infections. Metronidazole is bactericidal through toxic metabolites, which cause deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand breakage. It has a bioavailability of more than 90% after oral administration. The drug is metabolized by the liver and the hydroxy-metabolite has also a therapeutic effect. In this review, the physicochemical structure, assay methods, pharmacological and pharmacokinetical properties, and bioavailability of metronidazole are summarized