Metrocream Topical

Generic Name: metronidazole (Topical route)

met-roe-NYE-da-zole

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Metrocream


• Metrogel


• Metrolotion


• Noritate


• Rozex


• Vitazol

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream


• Lotion


• Gel/Jelly


• Emulsion

Therapeutic Class: Antiacne Antibacterial

Chemical Class: Nitroimidazole

Uses For Metrocream

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.

Before Using Metrocream

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Rosacea is usually considered an adult disease. Therefore, topical metronidazole is not generally used in children.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical metronidazole in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blood disease or a history of blood disease—Metronidazole may make the condition worse

Proper Use of metronidazole

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain metronidazole. It may not be specific to Metrocream. Please read with care.

Do not use this medicine in or near the eyes. Watering of the eyes may occur when the medicine is used too close to the eyes.

If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out immediately, but carefully, with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

Before applying this medicine, thoroughly wash the affected area(s) with a mild, nonirritating cleanser, rinse well, and gently pat dry.

To use:

• After washing the affected area(s), apply this medicine with your fingertips.


• Apply and rub in a thin film of medicine, using enough to cover the affected area(s) lightly. You should apply the medicine to the whole area usually affected by rosacea, not just to the pimples themselves .


• Wash the medicine off your hands.

To help keep your rosacea under control, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. You may have to continue using this medicine every day for 9 weeks or longer. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, and lotion):
  
  • For rosacea:
    
    • Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of skin two times a day, morning and evening, for nine weeks.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using Metrocream

If your rosacea does not improve within 3 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor. However, treatment of rosacea may take up to 9 weeks or longer before you see full improvement.

Stinging or burning of the skin may be expected after this medicine is applied. These effects may last up to a few minutes or more. If irritation continues, check with your doctor. You may have to use the medicine less often or stop using it altogether. Follow your doctor's directions.

You may continue to use cosmetics (make-up) while you are using this medicine for rosacea. However, it is best to use only “oil-free” cosmetics. Also, it is best not to use cosmetics too heavily or too often. They may make your rosacea worse. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Metrocream Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Dry skin


• redness or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine


• stinging or burning of the skin


• watering of eyes

Rare

• Metallic taste in the mouth


• nausea


• tingling or numbness of arms, legs, hands, or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Metrocream Topical side effects (in more detail)

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More Metrocream Topical resources

• Metrocream Topical Side Effects (in more detail)
• Metrocream Topical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Metrocream Topical Drug Interactions
• Metrocream Topical Support Group
• 3 Reviews for Metrocream Topical - Add your own review/rating

Compare Metrocream Topical with other medications

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