Metronidazole (Flagyl): Degradation by the Intestinal Flora

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Abstract
1. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is reduced exponentially by the contents of the rat caecum in the absence of oxygen. The rate of removal is highest at pH 7 and 37d`. 2. Reduction of the drug is inhibited by boiling of the caecal contents, CHC13 Cu2+, Ag+, azodicarboxylic acid bis-dimethylamide, p-chloromercuric benzoate, JV-ethylmaleimide and 4,4,4-trifluoro-l,2-thienyl-l,3-butanedione. Nitrate, ethanol (3 %), CO, phenol and amytal did not affect the rate of reduction. 3. It is concluded that iron-sulphur systems are involved in degradation of the drug.