Controlled Release Formulations of Metronidazole: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Metronidazole antibiotic which are used in treatment of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa It has a short half-life drug out from body very quickly, as a results patients are required to take multiple doses throughout a day to maintain its therapeutic effect. For long term use may lead to missed doses So this can make treatment inconvenient. To improve long term patient compliance and drug delivery-controlled release (CR) formulations of metronidazole introduced, these systems release metronidazole slowly over an extended period several types of delivery systems like biodegradable carriers, mucoadhesive, micro particles increase retention time of drug at the site of infection. For example, natural polymer like alginate and chitosan have also been make more biocompatible and safer for long term used. With new techniques are launched hot melt extrusion and spray drying it can create more reliable and with maintain drug stability and reproducible formulations and precise control for fast drug is released.

Conclusions: Controlled release of metronidazole have several advantages from traditional medicinal forms its better treatment in both systemic and localized infections especially for in specific site of treating chronic infections. These innovations give better therapeutic compliance and patient easier to administration.