- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Name stem
- -nidazole
- Drug cards
- 1 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Tinidazole, Secnidazole.
How nitroimidazoles (metronidazole) work
Form toxic products inside anaerobic organisms that damage their DNA.
Uses
- Anaerobic intra-abdominal and pelvic infections
- Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis
- Giardiasis and amebiasis
- H. pylori (with other drugs)
- C. difficile when preferred drugs are unavailable
Adverse effects
- Metallic taste
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Peripheral neuropathy and seizures with long courses
Nursing considerations
- Monitor the INR in patients on warfarin.
- Assess for neurologic symptoms.
Patient teaching
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 3 days after (72 hours for tinidazole).
- Partners need treatment for trichomoniasis.
- Dark urine is harmless.
Nitroimidazoles (metronidazole) NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
A patient taking metronidazole asks about drinking wine at a party. What is the correct response?
Show answer
Answer C: Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 3 days after Alcohol with metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction: flushing, vomiting, headache and tachycardia.
-
Which change in urine color may occur with metronidazole?
Show answer
Answer B: Dark or reddish-brown Metronidazole can darken the urine; this is harmless.
-
Which adverse effect should be reported with long courses of metronidazole?
Show answer
Answer B: Numbness and tingling of the feet Peripheral neuropathy can occur with prolonged use.
Frequently asked questions
What are nitroimidazoles (metronidazole)?
Metronidazole and related drugs treat anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. The classic nursing teaching is no alcohol during treatment and for at least 3 days after.
How do nitroimidazoles (metronidazole) work?
Form toxic products inside anaerobic organisms that damage their DNA.
What are examples of nitroimidazoles (metronidazole)?
Metronidazole, Tinidazole and Secnidazole.
What are the nursing considerations for nitroimidazoles (metronidazole)?
Monitor the INR in patients on warfarin. Assess for neurologic symptoms.