ATC Group: P01A Agents against amoebiasis and other protozoal diseases

Atovaquone is a selective and potent inhibitor of the eukaryotic mitochondrial electron transport chain in a number of parasitic protozoa and the parasitic fungus P. jiroveci. The site of action appears to be the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III).

Metronidazole is an anti-infectious drug belonging to the pharmacotherapeutic group of nitroimidazole derivatives, which have effect mainly on strict anaerobes. This effect is probably caused by interaction with DNS and different metabolites.

Ornidazole is indicated for the treatment of Bacterial vaginosis. It is effective against Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia (Giardia intestinalis), and also against certain anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides and Clostridium spp., Fusobacterium spp., and anaerobic cocci.

Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial drug that displays selectivity against many anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and protozoa.

Tiliquinol/tilbroquinol combination has amoebicidal action on trophozoites of Entamaeba histolytica under minuta and cystic form.

Tinidazole is active against both protozoa and obligate anaerobic bacteria. The activity against protozoa involves Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. The mode of action of tinidazole against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa involves penetration of the drug into the cell of the micro-organism and subsequent damage of DNA strands or inhibition of their synthesis.