What is the use of INJ Metris? A Comprehensive Guide to Metronidazole Infusion

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Clinical data confirms that metronidazole is a potent medication used to treat serious bacterial and parasitic infections in various parts of the body. This guide will detail what is the use of INJ Metris, a brand of metronidazole infusion, which is primarily administered intravenously for severe cases or when oral treatment is not possible.

Quick Summary

INJ Metris, an intravenous antibiotic containing metronidazole, is prescribed for a wide range of severe anaerobic bacterial and parasitic infections, including intra-abdominal, gynecologic, bone, and central nervous system infections, and is also used for surgical prophylaxis.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: INJ Metris is a brand name for metronidazole, a synthetic nitroimidazole antimicrobial agent.
Mechanism: It works by damaging the DNA of susceptible anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, leading to cell death.
Broad Spectrum Use: The injection is used to treat a wide range of infections in the abdomen, CNS, bones, and reproductive system, as well as protozoal diseases.
Surgical Prophylaxis: It is commonly administered to prevent infections in patients undergoing gastrointestinal or gynecologic surgery.
Administration: INJ Metris is given intravenously, typically in a hospital setting for severe infections or when oral medication isn't an option.
Severe Side Effects: Serious but rare side effects include neurological issues like seizures and encephalopathy, as well as severe skin and liver reactions.
Critical Precaution: Patients must avoid all alcohol during and for at least three days after treatment to prevent a severe disulfiram-like reaction.

Understanding INJ Metris and its Active Ingredient

INJ Metris is a brand name for an intravenous infusion containing metronidazole, a synthetic nitroimidazole antimicrobial agent. It is specifically formulated as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, isotonic solution, making it suitable for direct intravenous administration. The intravenous form is often used in hospital settings for patients with severe infections who are unable to take oral medication.

The Mechanism of Action

Metronidazole's effectiveness stems from its unique mechanism of action, which targets susceptible anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. When it enters these microorganisms, the nitro group on the metronidazole molecule is reduced. This reduction process creates unstable, short-lived, cytotoxic free radicals. These free radicals then damage the genetic material, causing destruction of the helical DNA structure and breaking the DNA strands. This DNA damage ultimately leads to the death of the bacterial or parasitic cells, making metronidazole a potent bactericidal and protozoacidal agent. This selective action means it is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Primary Clinical Uses of INJ Metris

INJ Metris is indicated for a broad spectrum of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Its intravenous administration is reserved for more severe infections or for prophylaxis in surgical procedures.

Commonly treated conditions include:

Intra-abdominal infections: This includes peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses, and liver abscesses, where anaerobic bacteria often play a significant role.
Gynecologic infections: Conditions such as endometritis, endomyometritis, and tubo-ovarian abscesses are effectively treated with metronidazole infusion.
Central Nervous System (CNS) infections: It is used to manage brain abscesses and meningitis caused by susceptible organisms, as metronidazole can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Bone and joint infections: Infections of the bones and joints, including osteomyelitis, caused by anaerobic bacteria can be treated with INJ Metris.
Respiratory tract infections: This includes serious infections like pneumonia and lung abscesses.
Endocarditis: Metronidazole is used to treat infections of the heart lining and valves.
Protozoal infections: It is effective against parasites causing conditions like amoebiasis (intestinal infection and liver abscess) and trichomoniasis.

Surgical Prophylaxis

One important use of INJ Metris is to prevent postoperative infections in patients undergoing certain types of surgery, particularly colorectal, gynecological, and abdominal procedures. By administering the infusion shortly before and after the operation, the risk of anaerobic bacterial infections is significantly reduced.

Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects

As with any potent medication, the administration of INJ Metris requires careful medical supervision and consideration of potential side effects and drug interactions.

Important Precautions

Liver and Kidney Function: Patients with severe liver or kidney disease may require dosage adjustments, as metronidazole is metabolized and cleared more slowly.
CNS Disorders: Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or other CNS diseases. The medication should be discontinued if neurological symptoms appear.
Blood Disorders: Metronidazole should be used with care in patients with a history of blood dyscrasias, as it has been known to cause mild leukopenia.
Alcohol Interaction: A severe disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, flushing) can occur if alcohol is consumed during or for at least three days after treatment. Patients must be warned to avoid alcohol completely.
Resistance: To prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria, INJ Metris should only be used for confirmed or highly suspected bacterial infections.

Common and Serious Side Effects


Side Effect Category	Common Side Effects	Serious Side Effects	Potential Risk Factors
Gastrointestinal	Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, metallic taste	Pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis	Prolonged treatment, dosage
Neurological	Headache, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy	Seizures, encephalopathy, aseptic meningitis	High doses, long-term use
Dermatological	Rashes, hives, flushing	Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis	History of hypersensitivity
Hematological	Transient neutropenia (low white blood cells)	Agranulocytosis, bone marrow aplasia	High doses, prolonged use
Other	Dry mouth, furred tongue	Liver failure (in Cockayne syndrome), cardiac effects	Severe hepatic impairment, genetic conditions

Conclusion

INJ Metris, containing the active ingredient metronidazole, is a powerful and versatile intravenous antibiotic essential for treating a wide array of severe anaerobic bacterial and parasitic infections. From intra-abdominal and gynecologic infections to CNS and bone infections, its targeted mechanism of DNA damage provides effective therapy. It also plays a vital role in preventing infections during and after surgery. However, due to the potential for serious side effects and drug interactions, particularly with alcohol and in patients with specific underlying conditions like severe hepatic impairment or Cockayne syndrome, its administration requires careful medical oversight. For optimal results and patient safety, strict adherence to the prescribed dosage and duration, as well as avoidance of alcohol, is crucial for a full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

INJ Metris is an intravenous medication used to treat serious bacterial and parasitic infections. Its active ingredient, metronidazole, kills anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites by damaging their DNA.

No, INJ Metris is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal drug and is not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.

INJ Metris is administered by a healthcare professional as a slow intravenous drip infusion, either continuously or intermittently. It is a ready-to-use solution that requires no further dilution.

You must avoid all alcoholic beverages and products containing propylene glycol during treatment and for at least three days after stopping the medication, as it can cause an unpleasant disulfiram-like reaction.

Common side effects include a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and pain at the injection site.

Metronidazole should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor, who will weigh the potential benefits against the risks. It is secreted in human milk, and a decision on whether to continue nursing should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

If you are using INJ Metris at home, contact your healthcare provider for instructions on missed doses. It is important not to skip doses or stop treatment early, as this can lead to an incomplete treatment and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.