Metronidazole vs Vancomycin

## Metronidazole vs Vancomycin: Overview

This comparison examines the pharmacological differences between **Metronidazole** and **Vancomycin**.

## Mechanism of Action

**Metronidazole**: Forms cytotoxic free radicals that damage bacterial DNA.

**Vancomycin**: Glycopeptide antibiotic inhibiting cell wall synthesis by binding D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors.

## Pharmacokinetics

**Half-life**: Metronidazole — 8 hours; Vancomycin — 4-6 hours.

## Chemical Properties

**Molecular Formula**: Metronidazole — C6H9N3O3; Vancomycin — C66H75Cl2N9O24.

**Molecular Weight**: Metronidazole — 171.1540 g/mol; Vancomycin — 1449.2500 g/mol.

**Type**: Metronidazole — Small molecule; Vancomycin — Small molecule.