Jornal Internacional de Neurorreabilitação

Rapid Onset Metronidazole Induced Sensory Neuropathy: Case series and Review of Literature

Abstract

Rameshwar Nath Chaurasia

Background: Metronidazole has been widely used to treat various anaerobic infections for many years without producing major side effects. Some of its new therapeutic indications, however, necessitate prolonged treatment with relatively high doses. Peripheral neuropathy is clearly one of the complications that can arise with such use.
Case report: Four young male patients with history of intake of metronidazole for treatment of amoebic liver abscess and diarrhoea developed very rapid onset distal symmetrical sensory neuropathy. Patients being treated with metronidazole particularly those on high doses even for short period should be monitored for neurotoxicity
Conclusion: This drug which is widely and empirically prescribed and is an over the counter (OTC) drug for any types of diarrhoea in our country is clearly associated with neurotoxicity. Metronidazole should be used with some caution and with clear indications even when is prescribing for short course and low doses.