Ronidazole

Ronidazole

Ronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic used primarily in veterinary medicine. It is particularly effective against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria, and is commonly used to treat trichomonas infections in pigeons, cats, and dogs.

History

Ronidazole was first synthesized in the 1960s as part of a broader effort to develop new antimicrobial agents. It is a derivative of metronidazole, a widely used antibiotic that was discovered in the 1950s.

Pharmacology

Like other nitroimidazoles, ronidazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of nucleic acids in microorganisms. It is a prodrug that is activated within the target organism, where it interferes with DNA replication and transcription.

Veterinary Use

In veterinary medicine, ronidazole is primarily used to treat trichomonas infections. In pigeons, it is used to treat canker, a common disease caused by the protozoan Trichomonas gallinae. In cats and dogs, it is used to treat giardiasis and other intestinal infections caused by protozoa.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of ronidazole in animals are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause neurotoxicity, leading to symptoms such as ataxia, tremors, and seizures.

Resistance

Resistance to ronidazole can develop through several mechanisms, including changes in the target organism's DNA repair mechanisms and the development of efflux pumps that remove the drug from the cell.

See Also

• Metronidazole
• Nitroimidazole
• Trichomonas gallinae
• Giardiasis