Metronidazole (On the skin)
met-roe-NYE-da-zole
Treats skin redness and pimples caused by a skin condition called rosacea (adult acne, or acne rosacea).
Drug classes
Antiacne Antibacterial (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Topical metronidazole is applied to the skin in adults to help control rosacea , also known as acne rosacea and “adult acne.” This medicine helps to reduce the redness of the skin and the number of pimples, usually found on the face, in patients with rosacea.
Topical metronidazole is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Cream, Gel/Jelly, Liquid Mixture, Lotion
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Use this medicine on your skin only. Do not eat it. Wash the area to be treated with a mild soap. Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
You should not use the medicine in or near your eyes. If you do get the medicine in your eyes, rinse them well with cool water. Tell your doctor if redness or eye pain does not go away.
You can use cosmetics or make-up while using this medicine, however they should only be put on after you have used the metronidazole lotion, cream, or gel. Wait about 5 minutes for the medicine to dry before putting on cosmetics or make-up. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.
If a dose is missed:
Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
Talk with your doctor before using other medicated creams or ointments on the same areas that you are using metronidazole.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metronidazole (MetroGel®, MetroLotion®, MetroCream®).
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a blood disorder.
Do not use this medicine in or near your eyes.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry, itchy, red, or irritated skin.
Metallic taste in your mouth.
Mild stinging or burning where the medicine is put on your skin.
Tingling or numbness in your feet or hands.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Metrocream, Metrogel, Metrolotion, Noritate, Rosadan, Rosadan Cream Kit, Rosadan Gel, Rosadan Gel Kit, Rozex, Vitazol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.