Uses

This medication is used on the skin to treat a certain skin disorder known as rosacea, a type of adult acne. It may help to decrease redness, swelling and the number of pimples caused by rosacea.

This medication is an antibiotic. For the treatment of rosacea, metronidazole is believed to work by decreasing swelling (inflammation). Some brands of this medication also contain sunscreens (see also Notes section).

How To Use

Use this medication on the skin only. Wash and dry your hands before and after applying this medication. Wash and dry the area to be treated. Wait 15 minutes, then apply a thin layer of medication as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Wait 5 minutes before applying cosmetics.

Avoid using this medication around the eye area, unless directed by your doctor. Watery eyes or tearing of the eyes may occur if this medication is applied too close to the eyes. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day.

It may take about three weeks before your condition gets better, and up to nine weeks for the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

Stinging, burning, skin irritation, dryness, redness, metallic taste, nausea, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• tingling or numbness of the hands and feet

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using metronidazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other nitroimidazole antibiotics (such as tinidazole); or to other ingredients in this product; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• blood disorders (blood dyscrasias)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Sun exposure can worsen rosacea. Limit exposure to the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or greater. If your brand already contains a sunscreen, you should use a regular sunscreen (without the metronidazole) on areas of skin not treated with this medication.

Avoid certain triggers that may worsen rosacea such as wind, hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme cold. Discuss with your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.