Natoa Suspension 30ml (Metronidazole)

Pronunciation

• MET-roe-NYE-da-zole

Trade Name

• Natoa Suspension

Classification

• Therapeutic: Antibacterial, Antiprotozoal
• Pharmacologic: Nitroimidazole

Pregnancy Category

• Category B

Indications

• Treatment of various infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, including bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and certain types of gastrointestinal infections (such as giardiasis and amoebiasis).

Mechanism of Action

• Metronidazole is a prodrug that is reduced in anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. The reduced form of metronidazole interacts with DNA, causing strand breakage and loss of helical structure, leading to inhibition of protein synthesis and cell death.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, bile, saliva, and breast milk.
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.
• Excretion: Primarily excreted in the urine (60-80%) as unchanged drug and metabolites.
• Half-life: Approximately 8 hours.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives. First trimester of pregnancy for the treatment of trichomoniasis.
• Precautions: Use with caution in patients with liver disease, central nervous system disorders (e.g., seizures), and blood dyscrasias. Avoid alcohol consumption during therapy and for at least 48 hours after treatment due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

• Common: Nausea, headache, anorexia, dry mouth, metallic taste, abdominal cramping.
• Serious: Seizures, peripheral neuropathy, leukopenia, aseptic meningitis, encephalopathy, severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Interactions

• Drug-Drug: May interact with warfarin (increased anticoagulant effect), alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction), lithium (increased lithium levels), and other drugs metabolized by liver enzymes.
• Food: Can be taken with or without food, but alcohol should be avoided.

Route/Dosage

• Oral (Suspension):
  • Adults: The typical dose varies based on the specific infection being treated. For example, 500 mg every 8 hours for 7-10 days for anaerobic bacterial infections.
  • Pediatric Dosage: Dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the age and weight of the child.

Availability Formulations

• Natoa Suspension: Available in 30 ml bottles as an oral suspension. Shake well before use.