title: Metronidazole: utilization in the obstetric and gynecologic patient.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obstetric and gynecologic complications associated with bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis have heightened awareness of these conditions, and thus metronidazole's role in obstetric and gynecologic practice continues to increase.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the clinical indications for metronidazole in the obstetric and gynecologic setting, as well as the pharmacokinetics and potential adverse effects of the drug.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the current literature concerning metronidazole.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Metronidazole remains a valuable agent for the treatment of anaerobic and protozoal infections with little evidence of resistance. Although issues of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity remain theoretical concerns, current data do not support the existence of these risks in humans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0006, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Schwebke
mesh_terms: D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001682:Biological Availability; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole