08/10/2025
هل المترونيدازول Carcinogenic؟
⚠️ Animal studies
Metronidazole has shown carcinogenic potential in rodents during long-term exposure.
These findings raised concerns about its safety in humans.
🧬 Mechanism
The drug may cause DNA damage through reactive metabolites.
This genotoxic effect is considered a possible pathway to carcinogenesis.
👩⚕️ Human data
Epidemiological studies in humans have not provided consistent evidence of cancer risk.
Most large studies did not confirm a significant link with malignancies.
📊 Regulatory stance
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies metronidazole as Group 2B.
This means it is “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” based on limited evidence.
💊 Clinical relevance
Short-term therapeutic use is generally considered safe.
Concerns are mainly with prolonged or repeated high-dose exposure.
