Metronidazole and its mechanism of action

Metronidazole - is an international non-proprietary name of the drug, which is known in our country under the name of Trichopolum or metrogil. Metronidazole - a protivoprotozoynymi (affects the simplest) and the antimicrobial agent which is active against microorganisms, developing the absence of air (anaerobic) - is Trichomonas, Gardnerella, amoeba, giardia. In anaerobic microorganisms metronidazole is converted to the active form, which binds to DNA and prevents the formation of nucleic acids, which leads to cell death of microorganisms.

The drug is readily absorbed into the blood after oral administration and is distributed within the body, providing a sufficient concentration to treat various infections. Some of it decomposed in the liver with the formation of metabolites (decay products) and excreted by the kidneys (in the form of metabolites and unaltered).

Metronidazole-insensitive aerobic (developing in the presence of air) microorganisms, so to treat certain infections it is used together with an antibiotic acting on aerobes. Metranidazol can cause sensitization to alcohol (allergic disposition) - the property has found its application in the treatment of alcoholics.

Indications for use

Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of the following diseases:

• trichomoniasis;
• vaginitis (vaginal mucosa inflammation) of various origin and microbiological evidence of clinical data, including detection sensitivity of microorganisms to metronidazole;
• infections caused by protozoa: amebiasis of the liver, amoebic dysentery, giardiasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis;
• bone and joint infections;
• infections of the central nervous system, including meningitis and brain abscess;
• Respiratory infections: pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchitis, etc .;
• infections of the abdomen and urinary organs.
• gastritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach) or duodenal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (in combination with amoxicillin);
• alcoholism, creating an allergic disposition, after which alcohol consumption causes a number of unpleasant sensations.

In addition, metronidazole is used for the prevention of postoperative complications, mainly in the abdominal organs and urinary tract.

Contraindications

Metronidozol contraindicated:

• in case of hypersensitivity to the drug in a patient;
• while reducing the number of leukocytes in the blood is below normal (metronidozol inhibits the formation of white blood cells - the main defenders against infection, that is, reduces the immune system);
• in various diseases of the central nervous system (e.g. epilepsy);
• with hepatic and renal failure;
• in the first trimester of the first 12 weeks) of pregnancy and lactation Breast-feeding: feed - and no nails!   child.

With caution and only on prescription - in pregnancy during the second and third trimester and in diseases of the blood.

Used metronidozol inside a pill and vaginal suppositories.

Side effects

As with any drug having an active action metronidozol has side effects:

• the part of the digestive system: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, pain in the epigastric region;
• the central nervous system: dizziness, headache, a combination of increased excitability with a bad mood, sleep disorders Dreams: how to understand our dreams Weakness; sometimes - impaired consciousness, convulsions;
• With the genitourinary system: burning sensation when passing urine, fungal infections (eg thrush);
• from the skin and mucous membranes: allergic reactions, itching;
• on the part of the musculoskeletal system: joint pain Joint pain - how to understand what is going on?   and muscles;
• from the hematopoietic system: reduction in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) that perform the protective function (immune).

Metronidozol prescribed with caution in all diseases of the kidneys and liver, as these bodies are involved in the utilization of (expansion) and elimination of the drug. During the reception metronidozola can not drink alcohol, because it can cause an allergic reaction: abdominal pain Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms , Nausea, vomiting, headache, sudden rush of blood to the face. Long-term use of the drug, it is desirable to carry out under the supervision of laboratory blood tests.

Metronidozol is an excellent treatment for both infections caused by both simple and certain types of bacteria. But to use it on their own safe, as it can provide a number of side effects.

Galina Romanenko

Trichinosis - a kind of infections caused by Ascaris. Ascaris - are parasites that use the body of the host to live and breed. Trichinosis circulated mainly among carnivores, most often it occurs in bears, foxes and walruses. Infection occurs trichinosis by eating meat that contains the larvae of Ascaris. A person can become infected with trichinosis by eating meat that has passed the insufficient heat treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of trichinosis associated with digestion, usually appear within two to seven days after infection. Other symptoms usually appear during the term of from one to eight weeks. The severity of symptoms usually depends on the number of larvae caught in the body.

In mild cases, if the body has got quite a few larvae, they may not cause any noticeable symptoms.

The first symptoms

Penetrated into the intestines larvae develop for some time, become adult worms and mate. At this stage, the first symptoms may arise trichinosis:

• Diarrhea;
• Stomach cramps;
• Malaise.

Late symptoms

Approximately a week after the infection of adult female worms produce larvae that penetrate the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and, eventually, into the muscle or other tissue. An indication of the penetration of larvae in the tissues of the body are:

• High body temperature;
• Muscle aches;
• Swelling of the eyelids and face;
• Weakness;
• Headache;
• Sensitivity to light;
• Conjunctivitis.

When to see a doctor

If you have a mild case with no symptoms of trichinosis, you'll never need medical care. If you notice gastrointestinal problems or muscle pain and swelling Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   about a week after eating pork or wild animal meat, talk to your doctor.

There is no effective treatment for the elimination of trichinosis, when the larvae invade tissue. At this point, the treatment is for symptoms only until the parasites die on its own.

Causes

People can become infected with trichinosis by eating meat undercooked cooked. Roundworm larvae may be present in the meat of pigs and horses, as well as, of course, carnivores, which man, however, rarely eats. Pigs and horses infected with trichinosis, if you eat a variety of waste, where there are the remains of infected meat. Infected with trichinosis when consuming beef is not possible, but remember, there's a lot of meat products, which are used in the preparation of beef and pork - these products may contain pathogens trichinosis.

Complications

Except in severe cases, trichinosis rarely causes complications. In severe cases, the larvae may affect vital organs, causing potentially dangerous complications following;

• Myocarditis - inflammation of the myocardium, muscle thick layer on the walls of the heart;
• Encephalitis - inflammation of the brain;
• Meningitis - an inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord;
• Pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs Pneumonia - Symptoms and Causes   and bronchus;
• Jade - an inflammatory disease of the kidneys;
• Sinusitis - inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses;
• Pneumonia.

Diagnostics

The initial diagnosis the doctor puts on the basis of existing symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis using a blood test Blood tests: a mirror of health   and, if necessary, a biopsy of muscle tissue.

Treatment

Trichinosis runs by itself, usually within a few months. However, symptoms such as weakness, mild pain and diarrhea may persist for several months or even years. When symptomatic infections can be recommended intake of the following medications:

• Antiparasitic drugs. If the infection is detected early, the patient can help antipazaritarnye drugs such as albendazole or mebendazole. When the larvae have already penetrated into the muscle and other tissues, these funds are virtually useless, but they are discharged in cases where the infection has caused problems with the central nervous system, heart or respiratory organs.
• Painkillers that help to cope with muscle pain.
• Corticosteroids. Roundworm sometimes cause allergic reactions Allergic reactions: how to understand why you tickle in the throat . In such cases it may be recommended corticosteroids.