Abstract
Objective:
To explore whether CYP3A inhibition by metronidazole is the primary mechanism by which metronidazole interacts with coadministered CYP3A substrates.
Data Sources:
Literature was accessed using the MEDLINE database (1966–February 2007). Search terms included metronidazole, cytochrome P450, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, drug interactions, and P-glycoprotein. References from pertinent articles, as well as from tertiary sources, were also considered.
Study Selection and Data Extraction:
All articles identified from the data sources that were published in English were evaluated. Case reports and pharmacokinetic evaluations were included.
Data Synthesis:
Elevated plasma concentrations and toxicities have been reported for a number of CYP3A substrates including amiodarone, carbamazepine, quinidine, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine when administered with metronidazole. This has led to the widespread belief that metronidazole is a significant inhibitor of CYP3A4. However, 4 pharmacokinetic studies conducted in humans showed that metronidazole did not increase plasma concentrations of the CYP3A substrates midazolam, erythromycin, cyclosporine, and alprazolam, thereby refuting the suggestion that metronidazole is a CYP3A4/5 inhibitor.
Conclusions:
Drug interactions between metronidazole and certain CYP3A substrates do not appear to result from CYP3A4/5 inhibition by metronidazole. Until any mechanism is identified by which metronidazole alters the disposition of certain CYP3A substrates, drug interactions with this agent should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the safety index of the coadministered drug and the availability of equally effective substitutes for either metronidazole or the drug with which it putatively interacts.
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