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Metrogel
You may receive Metrogel if you have a skin condition known as rosacea. This prescription medicine comes in the form of a gel that is applied to the affected areas once or twice daily. Although it is not exactly clear how this medicine works, it contains an antibiotic and may also have immune-suppressing and anti-inflammatory properties. Possible side effects include dryness, itching, and burning of the skin.
Metrogel® (metronidazole gel) is a prescription rosacea medication. It comes as a gel that is applied to the skin once or twice daily. This skin gel should not be confused with Metrogel-Vaginal®, a different product used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
Metrogel is made by Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
At this time, it is not yet known how Metrogel works for treating rosacea. The active ingredient (metronidazole) is an antibiotic. Metronidazole may have some immune-suppressing and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with rosacea as well.
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Metrogel include the following:
- Apply this medication on the affected areas once or twice a day, depending on the strength of the product.
- You may use a mild cleanser before applying Metrogel, and you may apply cosmetics after applying the medication.
- Do not apply the gel too close to the eyes.
- For Metrogel to work properly, it must be used as prescribed.
The dose of Metrogel your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on the strength of the product chosen.
(Click Metrogel Dosage for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD