Metronidazole Topical Cream

METROCREAM® Topical Cream contains metronidazole, USP, at a concentration of 7.5 mg per gram (0.75%) in an emollient cream consisting of benzyl alcohol, emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, purified water, sorbitol solution, lactic acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. Metronidazole is a member of the imidazole class of antibacterial agents and is classified therapeutically as an antiprotozoal and anti-bacterial agent. Chemically, metronidazole is 2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazole-1-ethanol. The molecular formula is C6H9N3O3 and molecular weight is 171.16. Metronidazole is represented by the following structural formula:

METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream is indicated for topical application in the treatment of inflammatory papules and pustules of rosacea.

No information provided.

Do not use metronidazole topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Before using metronidazole topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a blood cell disorder such as anemia or decreased white blood cells.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Metronidazole topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not use topical metronidazole in the vagina.

Call your doctor if you have severe stinging or burning when you apply metronidazole topical.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before any infection is completely treated. Do not use metronidazole topical to treat any other skin infection your doctor has not prescribed it for.

In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream was approximately 10%. Skin discomfort (burning and stinging) was the most frequently reported event followed by erythema, skin irritation, pruritus and worsening of rosacea. All individual events occurred in less than 3% of patients. The following additional adverse experiences have been reported with the topical use of metronidazole: dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities and nausea.

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for MetroCream (Metronidazole Topical Cream)

Metronidazole comes in the form of a capsule and tablet you take by mouth. It also comes as a cream, gel, and lotion you apply to your skin, and a vaginal gel. It’s also available as a self-injectable drug.

Metronidazole topical cream is used to treat symptoms of a skin condition called rosacea.

Metronidazole topical cream is available as the brand-name drugs MetroCream and Noritate. It’s also available as a generic drug.

The more common side effects of metronidazole topical cream include skin symptoms such as burning, stinging, or itching. They also include worsening of rosacea symptoms.

Metronidazole topical cream is approved for use in adults only.

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What is metronidazole?

The metronidazole topical cream is a prescription drug. Topical means it’s applied to the skin.

This cream is available as the brand-name drugs MetroCream and Noritate. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. 

Metronidazole topical cream may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to use it with other medications.

Why it's used

Metronidazole topical cream is used to treat symptoms of a skin condition called rosacea. These symptoms include swelling and irritation, small red bumps, and small bumps filled with pus.

How it works

Metronidazole belongs to a class of drugs called nitiroimidazole antimicrobials. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.

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