Metronidazole Gel

Generic Name: Metronidazole Gel and Cleansing Lotion (MET-roe-NYE-da-zole)
Brand Name: MetroGel

Metronidazole Gel is used for:

Treating redness and inflammation caused by the skin disorder rosacea. It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Metronidazole Gel is a kit that contains an antibacterial agent and a topical cleanser. The antibacterial agent works by killing sensitive bacteria. The topical cleanser is used to cleanse the skin before using the antibacterial agent.

Do NOT use Metronidazole Gel if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Metronidazole Gel

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if this applies to you.

Before using Metronidazole Gel:

Some medical conditions may interact with Metronidazole Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of certain blood problems (eg, low white blood cell or platelet levels)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Metronidazole Gel. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Warfarin or disulfiram because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Metronidazole Gel

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Metronidazole Gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Metronidazole Gel:

Use Metronidazole Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Wash the affected area with the cleanser provided, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Be sure the area is completely dry before applying Metronidazole Gel.
Apply a thin layer of Metronidazole Gel to the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed.
You may use cosmetics after applying Metronidazole Gel.
Metronidazole Gel works best if it is used at the same time each day.
Continue to use Metronidazole Gel even if your condition improves unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Metronidazole Gel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Metronidazole Gel.

Important safety information:

Metronidazole Gel is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes or on the inside of your nose or mouth. If you get it in any of these areas, rinse right away with cool water.
Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you use Metronidazole Gel.
Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Talk with your doctor before you use any other medicines or cleansers on your skin.
Do not use Metronidazole Gel for other skin conditions at a later time.
Metronidazole Gel should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Metronidazole Gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Metronidazole Gel is found in breast milk after topical use. Do not breast-feed while you are using Metronidazole Gel.

Possible side effects of Metronidazole Gel:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Mild burning, dryness, itching, scaling, or stinging.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe burning, dryness, irritation, itching, scaling, or stinging; tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Metronidazole Gel may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Metronidazole Gel:

Store Metronidazole Gel at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Metronidazole Gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about Metronidazole Gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Metronidazole Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Metronidazole Gel. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: October 1, 2008

Database Edition 08.4.1.001