Inflammation

BENEFITS:

TARGETS:

Dilated blood vessels

Decreases facial redness

Reduces inflamed lesions of rosacea

SIDE EFFECTS:

Side effects of metronidazole include redness, dryness, stinging, and burning at the application site. Headache may also occur. Allergic reactions to this medication are rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching/swelling (especially of face/lips/tongue/throat), dizziness, and trouble breathing. Should you become pregnant, please check with your dermatologist to determine whether you should continue this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Contact your dermatology provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• What is Metrocream used for?
  Metronidazole cream, generic for Metrocream, is an antibacterial cream used to treat an inflammatory skin condition called Rosacea.

• What are the most common side effects of Metrocream?
  Common side effects include irritation, redness, dryness, and burning sensation of the skin.

• How long does it take for Metronidazole topical cream to work?
  You can see symptom improvement in 3 to 4 weeks, but full benefit of Metrocream can take up to 8 weeks.

• What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
  If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  If you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks.
  If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You may need to avoid breast-feeding.
  This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
  Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
  Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use products that have alcohol in them. You may need to avoid drinking alcohol or taking products that have alcohol in them while using this drug and for some time after your last dose.
  If you are taking a product that has propylene glycol in it, talk with your doctor.
  Metronidazole has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats with long-term use. Talk with the doctor.
  The doctor has given you this drug for a certain health problem. Do not use this drug for other health problems.
  Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.

• What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
  WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
  Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  Irritation where this drug was used.
  Nervous system problems have happened with the oral and injection forms of this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal; change in balance or eyesight; dizziness or passing out; headache; not able to sleep; seizures; or trouble speaking. Call your doctor right away if you feel confused, depressed, irritable, tired, or weak.

• What are some other side effects of this drug?
  All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
  Dry skin.
  Scaling.
  Itching.
  Burning or stinging.
  These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
  You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• How is this drug best taken?
  Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
  Wash your hands before and after use.
  Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
  Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
  Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
  Makeup may be used after the skin has dried.
  Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.

• What do I do if I miss a dose?
  Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
  Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

• General drug facts
  If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

• Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
  This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient.