What type of drug is Metronidazole classified as?

Metronidazole is classified as a mixed amebicide because it is effective against both amebic infections and a variety of anaerobic bacterial infections. This dual capability stems from its mechanism of action which disrupts DNA synthesis in the pathogens it targets. As a mixed amebicide, it specifically treats infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica, the organism responsible for amoebic dysentery, as well as other protozoan parasites.

The classification as a mixed amebicide is significant because it highlights its broader spectrum of action compared to a drug that is solely an antibiotic or an amebicide. While antibiotics primarily target bacterial infections and amebicides focus on amoebic parasites, the mixed classification of Metronidazole points to its unique ability to effectively address multiple types of infectious agents, making it a versatile medication in treating poly-microbial infections.