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Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Drug Price Trends for NDC 16571-0875


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Best Wholesale Price for NDC 16571-0875

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Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 16571-0875

Last updated: February 18, 2026

This report analyzes the market landscape and projects future pricing for the drug identified by National Drug Code (NDC) 16571-0875. The analysis considers current market dynamics, patent status, and projected demand to forecast price trends.

What is NDC 16571-0875?

NDC 16571-0875 corresponds to Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsule. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat a variety of infections, including those caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines [1].

Current Market Landscape for Metronidazole Oral Capsules

The market for metronidazole oral capsules is characterized by established use, a wide range of manufacturers, and significant price competition.

Key Therapeutic Indications and Usage

Metronidazole oral capsules are prescribed for:

  • Bacterial vaginosis: Treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
  • Trichomoniasis: Treatment of infections caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • Amebiasis: Treatment of amebic dysentery and amebic liver abscess.
  • Giardiasis: Treatment of infections caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia.
  • Anaerobic bacterial infections: Treatment of infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, often as part of combination therapy for intra-abdominal infections, gynecologic infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and bone and joint infections [2].

Market Size and Growth Drivers

The global market for antibiotics, including metronidazole, is substantial. While specific market size data for metronidazole oral capsules alone is not readily available, the broader antibiotic market is projected to grow due to:

  • Increasing incidence of infectious diseases [3].
  • Growing awareness of parasitic and anaerobic infections in developing regions.
  • The role of metronidazole as a first-line or adjunctive therapy for several common conditions.

However, growth is tempered by:

  • Antibiotic resistance: Concerns about resistance to metronidazole have been reported for certain organisms, which could impact its long-term utility and drive the search for alternatives [4].
  • Competition from other antibiotics and antiprotozoals: The availability of alternative treatments for the same conditions creates a competitive environment.

Competitive Landscape

The market for metronidazole oral capsules is highly fragmented with numerous generic manufacturers. This has led to significant price erosion and intense competition among suppliers. Major players include both large pharmaceutical companies and specialized generic manufacturers. The availability of multiple bioequivalent generic versions means that market share is often determined by price and supply chain reliability.

Pricing Dynamics

  • Genericization: Metronidazole is a well-established drug whose patents have long expired. This has led to widespread generic availability.
  • Price Sensitivity: Due to the large number of generic competitors, the price of metronidazole oral capsules is highly sensitive to supply and demand.
  • Reimbursement: Government and private payers often favor lower-cost generic options, further driving down prices.

Patent Status and Exclusivity

Metronidazole was first synthesized in the 1950s and its original patents have long expired.

  • Original Patents: Expired.
  • Exclusivity: No market exclusivity exists for the innovator product or for generic formulations beyond standard regulatory periods for new drug applications (NDAs) or abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs), which are typically 3-year and 5-year exclusivities for certain types of approvals, but not applicable here as it is an established generic.
  • Evergreening: While no active patent protection exists for the original metronidazole molecule, companies may seek patents on new formulations, delivery systems, or combination therapies. However, for the standard 500 mg oral capsule form, such protections are unlikely to be relevant to current market pricing.

Regulatory Environment

Metronidazole is approved by major regulatory bodies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

  • FDA Approval: Metronidazole is available in the U.S. under various ANDAs.
  • Global Approvals: The drug has widespread approval in numerous countries, contributing to a global generic market.
  • Quality Standards: Manufacturers must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and safety.

Price Projections for Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsules (NDC 16571-0875)

Given the established generic status and competitive market, price projections for metronidazole 500 mg oral capsules are subject to ongoing market pressures.

Historical Pricing Trends

Historical pricing data for generic drugs like metronidazole shows a consistent trend of price decline following patent expiry and the entry of multiple generic competitors. Prices tend to stabilize at a low point dictated by manufacturing costs and competitive margins. Fluctuations are typically driven by supply chain disruptions, changes in raw material costs, or the exit/entry of specific manufacturers.

Factors Influencing Future Pricing

Several factors will influence the future pricing of metronidazole 500 mg oral capsules:

  • Manufacturing Costs: The cost of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and manufacturing processes will remain a baseline determinant. Fluctuations in global commodity prices or labor costs could impact these.
  • Supply Chain Dynamics: Any disruption in the supply chain, from API sourcing to finished product distribution, can temporarily spike prices. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of global pharmaceutical supply chains.
  • Demand Fluctuations: Changes in the prevalence of infectious diseases or shifts in treatment guidelines could affect demand. For instance, increased awareness or diagnostic capabilities for anaerobic or parasitic infections could drive demand, while the emergence of more effective or convenient alternative treatments could reduce it.
  • Regulatory Changes: While unlikely to impact the core pricing of an established generic, any changes in manufacturing standards or drug safety regulations could impose additional costs on manufacturers.
  • Market Consolidation: If the market consolidates with fewer manufacturers, there could be a slight upward pressure on prices, although the inherent commoditization of such a drug limits this potential.
  • Emergence of Novel Therapies: The development and adoption of newer, potentially more effective or targeted therapies for the conditions treated by metronidazole could erode its market share and put downward pressure on its price.

Projected Price Range

Based on current market conditions and the factors outlined above, metronidazole 500 mg oral capsules are expected to remain a low-cost generic medication.

  • Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC): WAC prices for metronidazole 500 mg oral capsules (e.g., 30-count bottle) typically range from $5 to $20, depending on the manufacturer, lot size, and distributor. This price point reflects high competition and the commoditized nature of the product.
  • Net Price (after rebates and discounts): Net prices are significantly lower, often falling into the $1 to $5 range for a typical prescription quantity.
  • Projection: Barring significant supply chain disruptions or substantial changes in global demand, the WAC is projected to remain within the $5 to $25 range over the next 1-3 years. Net prices are anticipated to continue hovering in the $1 to $5 range. Significant price increases are unlikely due to the entrenched generic status. Conversely, while prices are already low, further minor price erosion is possible if new manufacturers enter the market or if purchasing groups leverage greater purchasing power.

Table 1: Projected Price Range for Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsules (NDC 16571-0875)

Metric Current Range (USD) Projected Range (1-3 Years) (USD) Notes
Wholesale Acquisition Cost $5 - $20 $5 - $25 Varies by manufacturer, volume, and distributor
Net Price (after rebates) $1 - $5 $1 - $5 Reflects negotiated pricing and payer influence

Source: Proprietary market analysis based on industry data.

Conclusion

Metronidazole 500 mg oral capsules (NDC 16571-0875) operate in a mature, highly competitive generic market. Its well-established efficacy for a range of common infections, coupled with the absence of patent protection, ensures its continued availability at low price points. Future pricing will be primarily influenced by manufacturing costs, supply chain stability, and the dynamic of generic competition. Significant price increases are improbable.

Key Takeaways

  • NDC 16571-0875 is Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsule, an essential generic antibiotic.
  • The market is characterized by intense competition from numerous generic manufacturers.
  • Original patents have long expired, offering no market exclusivity.
  • Wholesale Acquisition Costs typically range from $5-$20, with net prices after rebates falling between $1-$5.
  • Prices are projected to remain stable within a low range ($5-$25 WAC, $1-$5 net) over the next 1-3 years, with minor fluctuations possible due to supply chain or manufacturing cost changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the primary driver of the current low price of Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsules? The primary driver is the extensive genericization of the drug following the expiration of its original patents, leading to a highly competitive market with multiple manufacturers.

  2. Are there any emerging therapeutic uses for Metronidazole that could impact its price? While metronidazole is well-established, research into novel applications or combination therapies might emerge. However, for the standard 500 mg oral capsule, significant price impact from new uses is unlikely without corresponding patent protection on those new applications.

  3. How susceptible is the price of Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsules to global supply chain disruptions? The price is moderately susceptible. Disruptions in the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or manufacturing capacity can lead to temporary price increases due to scarcity, but the large number of manufacturers and alternative sourcing options limit the duration and magnitude of these spikes.

  4. What is the typical shelf life for Metronidazole 500 mg Oral Capsules? The typical shelf life for metronidazole oral capsules is generally 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, assuming proper storage conditions as specified by the manufacturer. This is a standard pharmaceutical product characteristic and does not directly influence market pricing.

  5. Will the development of antibiotic resistance to Metronidazole significantly impact its future market price? While growing antibiotic resistance is a concern, it is more likely to impact the drug's clinical utility and prescriber preference rather than its immediate market price. The low cost and established efficacy for susceptible organisms mean it will likely remain a cost-effective option, though potentially with reduced usage for specific resistant strains.

Citations

[1] World Health Organization. (2023). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list 2023. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHOMVP202301 [2] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Metronidazole oral. DailyMed. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1e6e88d5-037f-4613-b732-a1103424c5b1 [3] Grand View Research. (2023). Antibiotics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Penicillins, Macrolides, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, Carbapenems, Metronidazole), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030. [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/threats-report/2020-ar-threats-508.pdf

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