Azoles

Azoles:

Metronidazole*
• a nitroimidazole indicated for protozoal infection and obligate anaerobic bacterial infections
• especially for deep seated skin infections when topical not indicated
• only taken up by anaerobic cells, then converted to active form  interacts with DNA  breaks strands  inhibits DNA synthesis
• well absorbed orally and widely distributed in the tissues
• metabolised in liver (may accumulate if hepatic insufficiency present)
• adverse effects – nausea; diarrhoea; peripheral neuropathy after prolonged use