A nitroimidazole used to treat amebiasis; vaginitis; trichomonas infections; giardiasis; ANAEROBIC bacteria; and treponemal infections. It has also been proposed as a radiation sensitizer for hypoxic cells. According to the Fourth Annual Report on carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985, p133), this substance may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen (Merck, 11th ed).