\n Common Brands<\/strong><\/td>\n MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroLotion, Noritate<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n \n Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>\n Nitroimidazole<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n \n Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>\n Generic for MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroLotion, Noritate<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n \n Availability<\/strong><\/td>\n Prescription only<\/td>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDosing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Clean and dry your skin before applying the metronidazole topical gel or cream. The topical metronidazole is applied in a thin layer directly to the affected areas of the skin. It may be applied once or twice daily, depending on your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Note:<\/strong> Dosing information is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions for exact dosing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nUses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n FDA-Approved Uses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMetronidazole is FDA-approved to treat rosacea, specifically by reducing inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) and erythema (redness).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Off-Label Uses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou may see the metronidazole prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metronidazole is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, so providers may prescribe it off label for treating other bacterial skin conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Get Savings Updates<\/h2>\n\t Join our mailing list for exclusive deals and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSubscribe\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPlease enable JavaScript to use the signup form.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/noscript>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\tSide Effects<\/h2>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Like all medications, metronidazole can cause side effects. Most common side effects are localized to the area where you apply the metronidazole topical gel or cream. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n
\nRedness<\/li>\n\n\n\n Irritation<\/li>\n\n\n\n Burning<\/li>\n\n\n\n Stinging<\/li>\n\n\n\n Dryness<\/li>\n\n\n\n Scaly skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n Itching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSerious Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using metronidazole and call your doctor immediately if you experience: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSevere allergic reactions<\/strong>: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; severe rash or itching; and\/or fever.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\nNerve problems<\/strong>: Metronidazole may cause peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet.<\/li>\n\n\n\nSevere skin reactions<\/strong>: Severe skin reactions may occur. Symptoms include rash, blistering, swelling, or itching.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\nEye irritation<\/strong>: Avoid applying topical metronidazole near the eyes. If it comes into contact with your eyes, symptoms like eye redness or increased tear production may occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCall your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\nPharmacist Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\nCleanse First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Always wash your hands and clean and dry the affected skin area before applying the medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid the Eyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Great care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with plenty of cool tap water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply Makeup Or Skincare After Applying The Medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n You can continue to use cosmetics and moisturizers. Apply the metronidazole topical first and let it dry completely before layering other products on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
External Use Only<\/h3>\n\n\n\n This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not apply it inside the mouth, eyes, or nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Store It At Room Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Store the metronidazole topical at room temperature, between 68\u00b0F to 77\u00b0F (20\u00b0C to 25\u00b0C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Know The Missed Dose Protocol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If you miss a dose of metronidazole, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip it and apply the next dose at the regular time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drug Interactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Certain medications and substances can interact with metronidazole, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAlcohol<\/strong>: There is a well-known serious interaction between oral metronidazole and alcohol, causing nausea, vomiting, and flushing. While it is unknown if drinking alcohol interacts with topical metronidazole in the same way, or if the amount absorbed through the skin is enough to cause this reaction, it is recommended to be cautious and avoid alcohol.<\/li>\n\n\n\nWarfarin (Coumadin)<\/strong>: Metronidazole can increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking blood thinners like warfarin.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nAlways give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\tFAQs<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t\n\t\tWhy does my doctor warn me about drinking alcohol even though this is topical?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Oral metronidazole has a severe interaction with alcohol, causing vomiting and flushing. While it is unknown if drinking alcohol will interact with topical metronidazole in the same way, some of the drug may be absorbed through the skin. Providers may recommend avoiding alcohol while using the topical to exercise caution.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tCan I put moisturizer or makeup over metronidazole gel?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes. Cleanse the affected area, apply the metronidazole, and wait for it to dry. Once the area is fully dry, you can apply cosmetics or moisturizers over it.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tWhat is the difference between the gel, cream, and lotion forms?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
These are different forms of the same medication. Your provider may prescribe one or the other depending on your skin type. Creams are often more moisturizing, while gels may be drying. Metronidazole is available in 0.75% strength (cream, gel, lotion) and 1% strength (cream, gel).<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tDoes metronidazole topical treat acne or just rosacea?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Topical metronidazole is used for the treatment of inflammatory lesions (bumps) and redness associated with rosacea. While it has antimicrobial properties, it is not FDA-approved for treating acne.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tCan I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
It is not known if topical metronidazole harms an unborn baby or passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding so they can determine if it is safe for you.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tHow long does it take to see results for rosacea redness and bumps?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Visible improvement is commonly seen within 3 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tCan I use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleansers with this medication?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Discuss your skincare routine with your doctor prior to taking metronidazole. Topical metronidazole can cause skin dryness and irritation. Combining it with other potentially irritating or drying cleansers might worsen these side effects.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs this the same medication used for bacterial vaginosis (BV)?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
The active ingredient, metronidazole, is the same, but the form is different. BV is typically treated with oral tablets or a vaginal gel. Topical metronidazole is used for rosacea affecting facial skin.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tDoes metronidazole help with the “flushing” or redness part of rosacea?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes, it is indicated to treat both the erythema (redness) and inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of rosacea.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs it safe to use this medication long term?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Rosacea is a long-term condition. Continued application of topical metronidazole is typically recommended to maintain results.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tWhy is there a “wait time” before applying other products?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
The wait time helps ensure the medication has been absorbed by the skin. The guidance is to cleanse and dry the skin, apply the medicine, and let it dry before applying makeup and other skincare products.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tDoes this medication thin the skin like steroids do?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Skin thinning is not listed as a side effect for topical metronidazole.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n