Uses

What is topical metronidazole used for?

Topical metronidazole is applied to the skin to treat certain symptoms of rosacea. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that can cause symptoms such as redness and small bumps.

Topical metronidazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Metronidazole is also available for use by mouth or injection. See Metronidazole for more information.

Metronidazole is also available for use in the vagina. See Metronidazole vaginal for more information.

How does topical metronidazole work?

It is unknown how topical metronidazole works to treat rosacea, but it seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

How is topical metronidazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Topical metronidazole is available as MetroCream, Metrogel, MetroLotion, Noritate, and generic metronidazole in the following dosage forms that are applied to the skin.

  • 0.75% cream
  • 0.75% gel
  • 0.75% lotion
  • 1% cream
  • 1% gel

How should I store topical metronidazole?

Topical metronidazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical metronidazole?

The most common side effects of topical metronidazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin burning and stinging (see below)
  • Itching, redness, and irritation of the skin (see below)
  • Dry skin
  • Worsening of rosacea
  • Metallic taste
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms (gel)
  • Headache (gel)

There may be other side effects of topical metronidazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical metronidazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical metronidazole  are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Skin Reactions. Topical metronidazole can cause skin reactions, including allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. Symptoms of a skin reaction can include rash, itching, redness, swelling, or blisters. Call your healthcare provider if you have any skin reactions after using topical metronidazole. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to stop the medicine or use it less often.

Nerve Problems. Topical metronidazole can cause peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition in which certain nerves are damaged. Tell your doctor  right away if you develop pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet. 

Eye Irritation. Topical metronidazole can cause eye redness, discomfort, or tearing if it comes into contact with the eyes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms while using topical metronidazole. Do not apply topical metronidazole near the eyes.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical metronidazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical metronidazole.

  • MetroCream
  • Metrogel
  • MetroLotion
  • Metronidazole
  • Noritate
  • Parabens (gel)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical metronidazole products they stock.

What should I know about topical metronidazole before using it?

Do not use topical metronidazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical metronidazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical metronidazole out of the reach of children.

Do not apply topical metronidazole near the eyes or in the mouth or vagina.

Cleanse the affected skin areas before applying topical metronidazole. You can apply cosmetics after applying topical metronidazole.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical metronidazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical metronidazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Nervous System Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any nervous system problems, such as a condition called peripheral neuropathy, before using topical metronidazole. 

Blood Disorders. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any blood disorders, including blood dyscrasias. Blood dyscrasias is a disorder that can affect the blood cells. Topical metronidazole should be used with caution if you have certain blood disorders.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical metronidazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical metronidazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical metronidazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical metronidazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does topical metronidazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical metronidazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical metronidazole.

Does topical metronidazole interact with other medicines?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinning medicine.

Does Metronidazole topical interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical metronidazole?

If you or someone else has used too much topical metronidazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical metronidazole?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

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