Transient Encephalopathy with A Single Dose of Oral Metronidazole: A Case Report

Abstract

Metronidazole (MNZ) is an antibacterial agent widely used in the treatment of anaerobic and protozoal infections, easily penetrating the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system. MNZ is well-tolerated, but it can also cause serious neurologic adverse effects such as peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, dysarthria, convulsion and encephalopathy. MNZ-induced encephalopathy (MIE) is a rare adverse effect. Magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography are helpful methods in the diagnosis of the disease. The mechanism of MIE has not been clearly elucidated. Usually, it is completely cured by drug discontinuation. In this report, a reversible encephalopathy developing in a male patient after receiving a single dose of oral MNZ is presented.