INN monograph
metronidazole/chlorhexdine oral gel
Nitroimidazole antimicrobial / antiprotozoal · POM
Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; RxNorm (NLM RxNav); PubChem; Component monographs (multi-source pipeline)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles.
- First trimester use traditionally avoided unless essential (practice evolving — follow current obstetric guidance).
- Disulfiram within 2 weeks.
Precautions
- Avoid alcohol during and for 24–72 h after (disulfiram-like reaction).
- Neurologic toxicity with prolonged/high dose (neuropathy, seizures).
- Metallic taste common.
- Dark urine possible.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric
Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.
Renal
Metabolites accumulate in renal failure; review dosing in ESRD.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Hepatic metabolism — reduce dose in severe liver disease.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Cornerstone for anaerobic coverage and protozoa (giardia, amoeba, trichomonas).
- Combine with other agents for mixed aerobic–anaerobic infections as indicated.
- Warn every patient about alcohol.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Burning sensation, allergic reaction, irritation, dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, staining of teeth, tingling or numbness of extremities and nausea.
Use
Indications
- The combined antimicrobial formulation for treatment and prophylaxis of infectious and inflammatory diseases of oral cavity Clinical selection for metronidazole/chlorhexdine oral gel should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Nitroimidazole antimicrobial / antiprotozoal.
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Combination product.
Full mechanism text
Combination product. Component mechanism (Metronidazole): Metronidazole, ornidazole and other imidazoles are selective for anaerobic bacteria due to their ability to intracellularly reduce imidazole which covalently binds to DNA, disrupt its helical structure, inhibiting bacterial nucleic acid synthesis
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 1–2 hours |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8–24 hours |
| Route | ORAL / IV / TOPICAL / VAGINAL |
| Distribution | including abscesses and CSF. Hepatic |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| No brands linked yet. | |||
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
[metronidazole] [Metronidazole] Widely used in later pregnancy for BV/trichomoniasis in many protocols; avoid unnecessary first-trimester exposure — follow current guidance.
Lactation
Single-dose regimens often compatible with pumping/timing advice; prolonged high dose — review.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; RxNorm (NLM RxNav); PubChem; Component monographs (multi-source pipeline)
Clinical review date not recorded.
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.