About metronidazole skin gel and cream

Metronidazole gel and cream are used to treat the skin condition called rosacea (sometimes referred to as acne rosacea). Rosacea is a skin condition that affects parts of your face. Symptoms of rosacea include flushing, redness, and small lumpy red spots. Although it can look similar to acne, it is, however, a different condition.

Metronidazole gel may also be used to reduce unpleasant odours from an infected wound such as a skin ulcer.

This leaflet does not give information about metronidazole when it is taken by mouth. More information on this is available in a separate leaflet called Metronidazole.

Before using metronidazole

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using metronidazole it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or skin preparation.

How use metronidazole skin gel or cream

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the brand of metronidazole prescribed for you to use, and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from using it.
• Unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor, use the gel/cream twice daily. Your doctor will tell you how long to use it for, but as a guide, most preparations used for rosacea are recommended to be used for around eight weeks. 
• If you have been prescribed metronidazole gel for a skin ulcer or wound, you will probably be advised to apply it once or twice daily after the area has been cleaned. Usually, your doctor will arrange for this to be done for you.
• If you are using metronidazole on your face, take care not to get any cream/gel into your eyes, or mouth, or the inside of your nostrils. If this does happen, wash it out with warm water.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
• Metronidazole may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, and use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor.

Can metronidazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store metronidazole skin gel and cream

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines