Nitroimidazole Antibiotics
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Overview
Nitroimidazoles are a class of antimicrobial agents effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa. Metronidazole, the most widely used member, is a cornerstone treatment for C. difficile infection, bacterial vaginosis, and intra-abdominal infections.
How do nitroimidazole antibiotics work?
Nitroimidazoles are prodrugs that are activated by reduction of their nitro group within anaerobic or microaerophilic organisms. The reduced intermediates cause DNA strand breakage and destabilization of the DNA helix, leading to cell death. This selective activation in low-oxygen environments explains their specificity for anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.
Drugs in this class
- Metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER, MetroGel, Metrocream)