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Chemical Datasheet

METRONIDAZOLE

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 443-48-1
none data unavailable none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: White to pale-yellow crystalline powder with a slight odor. Bitter and saline taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) about 6.5. (NTP, 1992)

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
Health Hazard
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this chemical may include nerve or sheath structural changes, eye changes, tremors, fever, jaundice and other liver changes. It may cause convulsive seizures, numbness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, sharp, unpleasant metallic taste, erythematous rash, pruritus, dizziness, syncope, ataxia, thrombophlebitis after intravenous infusion, darkened urine, anorexia, epigastric distress, constipation, glossitis, stomatitis, reversible thrombocytopenia and vertigo. Flattening of the T-wave may be seen in electrocardiographic tracings. It may also cause incoordination, irritability, depression, weakness, insomnia, nasal congestion dysuria, cystitus, polyuria, incontinence, a sense of pelvic pressure, dyspareunia, decrease of libido, proctitis and fleeting joint pains sometimes resembling serum sickness. It may cause skin rash and drowsiness. Other symptoms of exposure include malaise, transient rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances and peripheral neuropathy. It may cause coated tongue, dry mouth, urethral discomfort, temporary leukopenia, increase in chromosome aberrations, candidal vaginitis, lethargy and sore furred tongue. In conjunction with alcohol it may provoke a disulfuram-like reaction. Pregnant women expose to this compound have given birth to premature, stillborn infants. One infant has died of white asphyxia. It may cause epigastric distress, abdominal cramping, numbness or paresthesia of an extremity, urticaria, flushing, dryness of vagina or vulva, abdominal distress, headache (if ingested with alcohol), confusional and psychotic states, blood dyscrasias, temporary neutropenia which reverses after therapy, and low concentrations of lipids in plasma.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is harmful by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. It may cause irritation. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. (NTP, 1992)
Reactivity Profile
METRONIDAZOLE darkens on exposure to light. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992).
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
No information available.
Firefighting
Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)
Non-Fire Response
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then dampen the solid spill material with toluene, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with toluene to pick up any remaining material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent-wash all contaminated surfaces with toluene followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)
Protective Clothing
RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter). (NTP, 1992)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C6H9N3O3
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 316 to 320°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: 171.18 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 68°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

No PAC information available.

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names