Metronidazole

Reductive activation inside anaerobic organisms converts metronidazole into cytotoxic free radicals that fragment microbial DNA, an activation step that requires the low-redox environment such organisms provide and that explains the drug's selectivity. Its spectrum spans both bacteria and protozoa, supporting use in infections of the digestive tract, the reproductive system and the skin. Warfarin is recorded as a major interaction, the anticoagulant effect being potentiated when the two are given together. An elimination half-life near eight hours accompanies its classification among antiinfectives for systemic use. The molecule is small, C6H9N3O3 at approximately 171.2 g/mol, and reached the final phase of clinical development.

SMILES

Cc1ncc([N+](=O)[O-])n1CCO

InChI

InChI=1S/C6H9N3O3/c1-5-7-4-6(9(11)12)8(5)2-3-10/h4,10H,2-3H2,1H3