Metronidazole is a bioactive small molecule and broad-spectrum nitromidazole antibiotic used against anaerobic bacteria and parasites. The hydroxy metabolite, 1-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-hydroxy methyl-5-nitroimidazole is considered the major active metabolite from the 5 metabolites produced in vivo.
Metronidazole is sparingly soluble in aqueous solution.