Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: METRONIDAZOLE - TOPICAL (meh-troh-NID-uh-zole)
BRAND NAME(S): Metrocream, Metrogel, Metrolotion, Noritate, Rozex
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used topically to treat inflammation due to certain skin infections (e.g., rosacea).
HOW TO USE: Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. To apply, gently rub a small thin film of the medication to the affected area and surrounding skin as directed. It may take about three weeks before any improvement is seen and up to nine weeks for full benefit. If no improvement is seen after three weeks, consult your doctor. Avoid using this medication around the eye area.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause burning, stinging or redness when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: tingling or numbness of the hands and feet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: blood disorders (blood dyscrasia). This medication should be used cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor of all the medicines (both prescription and nonprescription) you use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Bacterial Vaginosis - Learn about bacterial vaginosis, an infection which symptoms include an odorous vaginal discharge. The vaginal odor may be fish like, and grey in color. Treatment is necessary with antibiotics.
- Rosacea - Learn the symptoms, treatment and diet for rosacea (adult acne), a skin condition that causes facial redness, dilated blood vessels and ocular rosacea (in advanced cases).
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