Rational use of metronidazole

Metronidazole is the drug of choice in the chemotherapy of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. It is also used in high dosage in the chemoprophylaxis and treatment of many strictly anaerobic infections. Prolonged use has been advocated in the treatment of periodonititis. Attention is drawn to known drug interactions, toxic effects, and the possibility of development of resistant strains.