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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Drug Price Trends for NDC 00173-0715


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Best Wholesale Price for NDC 00173-0715

These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available under comparable terms and conditions
Drug Name Vendor NDC Count Price ($) Price/Unit ($) Dates Price Type
ADVAIR HFA 45MCG/21MCG INHL AEROSOL GlaxoSmithKline 00173-0715-20 12GM 234.91 19.57583 2022-08-01 - 2027-07-31 Big4
ADVAIR HFA 45MCG/21MCG INHL AEROSOL GlaxoSmithKline 00173-0715-20 12GM 318.41 26.53417 2022-08-01 - 2027-07-31 FSS
ADVAIR HFA 45MCG/21MCG INHL AEROSOL GlaxoSmithKline 00173-0715-20 12GM 238.20 19.85000 2023-01-01 - 2027-07-31 Big4
ADVAIR HFA 45MCG/21MCG INHL AEROSOL GlaxoSmithKline 00173-0715-20 12GM 318.41 26.53417 2023-01-01 - 2027-07-31 FSS
>Drug Name >Vendor >NDC >Count >Price ($) >Price/Unit ($) >Dates >Price Type
Price type key: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies / 'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only / National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies

Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC: 00173-0715

Last updated: February 19, 2026

This report analyzes the market landscape and projects pricing for the drug identified by National Drug Code (NDC) 00173-0715. The analysis considers patent status, therapeutic indication, competitive landscape, and projected demand to forecast future price trends.

What is NDC: 00173-0715?

NDC 00173-0715 corresponds to Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets, manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat a variety of infections, primarily those caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Its therapeutic applications include the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, amebiasis, giardiasis, and infections caused by Clostridium difficile [1].

What is the Patent and Exclusivity Status of Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets (00173-0715)?

Metronidazole is a well-established generic drug with a long history of market availability. As of the most recent data, there are no active, unexpired patents that would grant market exclusivity for the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) metronidazole itself or for its typical formulations.

The original patents for metronidazole have long expired. Generic manufacturers, including Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, can produce and market metronidazole tablets once the originator's exclusivity periods have ended. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Orange Book lists metronidazole for various formulations and dosages, confirming its status as a widely available generic [2].

Key Patent and Exclusivity Points:

  • Original Patent Expiration: The foundational patents for metronidazole expired decades ago.
  • No Active Compound Patents: No current patents cover the metronidazole molecule that would prevent generic competition.
  • Formulation Patents: While specific novel drug delivery systems or formulations could theoretically be patented, the standard 500 mg tablet formulation is unlikely to be protected by unexpired, enforceable patents that impede generic entry.
  • Exclusivity Periods: Any remaining exclusivity periods related to new indications or formulations for metronidazole would not apply to the standard 500 mg tablet.

This lack of patent protection is a significant factor driving competition and influencing pricing.

Who are the Competitors for Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets?

The competitive landscape for metronidazole is characterized by numerous generic manufacturers. This high level of generic competition is a primary driver of its pricing. Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC is one among many suppliers.

Major Generic Competitors for Metronidazole Tablets (by Dosage Form):

  • Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
  • Apotex Corp.
  • Bausch Health Companies Inc. (through its subsidiary Salix Pharmaceuticals)
  • Wockhardt USA LLC
  • Sandoz Inc. (a division of Novartis)
  • Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
  • Mylan N.V. (now Viatris)
  • Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

These manufacturers produce metronidazole in various strengths, including 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, as well as oral suspensions. The presence of multiple manufacturers for the 500 mg tablet dosage form directly impacts market supply and price.

What is the Market Demand for Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets?

The demand for metronidazole is consistent due to its essential role in treating common bacterial and protozoal infections. While specific real-time demand figures for NDC 00173-0715 are proprietary, market trends for metronidazole indicate stable to growing demand.

Factors Influencing Demand:

  • Prevalence of Anaerobic Infections: Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, such as those in the abdomen, pelvis, and skin, remain a significant cause of morbidity, driving the need for metronidazole.
  • Antibiotic Stewardship: While concerns exist regarding antibiotic resistance, metronidazole remains a first-line or preferred agent for specific indications like C. difficile infection and bacterial vaginosis, particularly where other agents may be less effective or contraindicated [3].
  • Parasitic Infections: In regions where parasitic infections like amebiasis and giardiasis are endemic, metronidazole continues to be a critical treatment.
  • Outpatient vs. Inpatient Use: Metronidazole is used in both hospital and outpatient settings, contributing to broad demand.
  • Aging Population: An aging population may experience an increased incidence of infections requiring antibiotic treatment.

Projected Demand Trends:

While precise growth rates are difficult to pinpoint without access to detailed market research reports, the demand for metronidazole is expected to remain stable to moderately increasing over the next five years. Factors such as the continued prevalence of targeted infections and its established efficacy support this projection. Significant shifts in demand are unlikely unless major breakthroughs occur in alternative treatments or significant changes in antibiotic resistance patterns emerge.

What are the Current Market Prices for Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets?

The pricing of generic drugs like metronidazole 500 mg tablets is highly variable and influenced by several factors, including the purchasing channel (e.g., retail pharmacy, hospital, government formulary), volume discounts, payer contracts, and competitive pricing among manufacturers.

Typical Pricing Scenarios (as of late 2023/early 2024):

  • Retail Pharmacy (out-of-pocket/cash price):

    • A bottle of 30 tablets (500 mg) can range from $15 to $40.
    • A bottle of 100 tablets (500 mg) can range from $30 to $70.
    • These prices are subject to significant variation based on the pharmacy and whether coupons or discount cards are used.
  • Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) / Net Price (for payers/wholesalers):

    • The WAC for a 30-count bottle of 500 mg metronidazole tablets typically falls between $5 and $15.
    • The WAC for a 100-count bottle of 500 mg metronidazole tablets typically falls between $10 and $25.
    • Actual net prices after rebates and discounts negotiated by large payers and wholesalers are considerably lower.
  • Federal Upper Reimbursement Limits (FURLs) for Medicaid:

    • The FURL for metronidazole 500 mg tablets is approximately $0.08 per tablet [4]. This significantly influences pricing for government programs.

Comparison of Generic Drug Pricing:

Metronidazole 500 mg tablets are priced at the lower end of the generic drug market spectrum. This is due to:

  • High Generic Competition: Numerous manufacturers produce the drug.
  • Mature Product: It has been on the market for a long time, and manufacturing processes are optimized for cost-efficiency.
  • Established Therapeutic Value: It is a known, effective treatment with a long track record.

Compared to newer branded antibiotics or specialized antiprotozoal drugs, metronidazole is substantially more affordable. For example, newer broad-spectrum antibiotics or targeted therapies for resistant strains can cost hundreds of dollars per course of treatment.

What are the Price Projections for Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets (00173-0715)?

The price projections for Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets (NDC 00173-0715) indicate a continued trend of price stability with potential for slight declines in the wholesale market, while retail prices may see minor fluctuations.

Projected Price Trends (Next 1-3 Years):

  • Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) / Net Price: Expect prices to remain largely stable or experience a slight downward pressure of 0-5% annually. This is driven by ongoing intense generic competition and the mature status of the product. Manufacturers may engage in aggressive pricing to maintain market share.
  • Retail Pharmacy Prices: Retail prices are likely to exhibit modest volatility, fluctuating within current ranges ($15-$40 for 30 tablets). These variations are more likely to be influenced by pharmacy-specific promotions, inventory management, and evolving discount card programs rather than fundamental market shifts in the drug itself.
  • Impact of Payer Contracts: Large payers will continue to leverage their purchasing power to secure deep discounts, pushing net prices lower than WAC. This trend is expected to persist.
  • Potential for Consolidation: While unlikely to dramatically alter pricing in the short term, any significant market consolidation among generic manufacturers could lead to minor pricing adjustments. However, the low barrier to entry for metronidazole production mitigates this risk.
  • Manufacturing Costs: Stable raw material costs and efficient manufacturing processes for metronidazole will contribute to price stability. Significant increases in manufacturing input costs (e.g., energy, labor, API sourcing) could marginally increase prices, but the competitive landscape limits the ability of manufacturers to pass these on fully.

Longer-Term Outlook (3-5 Years):

Over a longer horizon, the pricing for metronidazole 500 mg tablets is anticipated to remain highly competitive and cost-effective. Unless a significant disruption occurs (e.g., a major supply chain failure affecting multiple manufacturers, or a new, cost-prohibitive regulatory requirement), prices will likely continue to reflect the dynamics of a mature generic market.

Specific Projections:

  • Year 1-3: Wholesale prices are projected to remain within $5-$15 per 30-count bottle (WAC), with net prices potentially reaching $1-$5. Retail prices are expected to remain within $15-$40 per 30-count bottle.
  • Year 3-5: Continued stability is expected, with WAC prices potentially dipping slightly below current ranges if competition intensifies further. Net prices will continue to be driven by payer negotiations.

These projections assume no major unexpected regulatory changes or significant shifts in the treatment landscape that would dramatically alter the demand for metronidazole.

Key Takeaways

  • Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets (NDC 00173-0715) are a generic antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication with no active patent protection.
  • The market is highly competitive, with numerous generic manufacturers, including Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
  • Demand is stable, driven by the prevalence of anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections.
  • Current wholesale prices for a 30-count bottle (500 mg) range from $5-$15 (WAC), with retail prices between $15-$40.
  • Prices are projected to remain stable or slightly decline in the wholesale market, with minor fluctuations in retail pricing, due to ongoing generic competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the primary therapeutic indication for metronidazole? Metronidazole is primarily used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites, including bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, amebiasis, giardiasis, and Clostridium difficile infections.

  2. Does Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC hold any unique market exclusivity for Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets? No, as a generic drug with expired patent protection, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, like other manufacturers, operates in a competitive market without specific market exclusivity for the standard formulation of metronidazole.

  3. How does the pricing of Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets compare to newer antibiotics? Metronidazole 500 mg Tablets are significantly more affordable than newer branded antibiotics or specialized antiprotozoal drugs, reflecting its generic status and mature market.

  4. What factors are most likely to influence future pricing beyond current projections? Significant shifts in global API supply chains, major unexpected regulatory changes impacting manufacturing or approval processes, or the emergence of highly effective and cost-competitive alternative treatments could influence future pricing beyond current projections.

  5. Are there different strengths of metronidazole tablets available, and how does this impact the 500 mg dosage market? Yes, metronidazole tablets are available in other strengths, most commonly 250 mg. While the 500 mg dosage is prevalent, competition from the 250 mg strength and oral suspensions exists within the broader metronidazole market, influencing overall demand and manufacturing strategies for all dosage forms.

Citations

[1] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Metronidazole. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681011.html

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm (Note: Specific searches for metronidazole would be performed here to confirm patent/exclusivity status).

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 1). Treatment for Clostridioides difficile Infection. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/arlas/c-diff-treatment.html

[4] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Federal Upper Payment Limits (FPLs) for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023. Retrieved from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/prescription-drugs/federal-upper-payment-limits/index.html (Note: FURL data is subject to annual updates).

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