Metrocream (Metronidazole)

MetroCream (metronidazole 0.75%) is a prescription skin cream used to treat symptoms of rosacea. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that often affects the center of the face, causing redness and acne-like bumps. Metronidazole belongs to a group of medicines called nitroimidazoles and is believed to help reduce skin inflammation. MetroCream is a moisturizing cream applied directly to the skin and is prescribed for adults.

Directions

Use MetroCream only on the skin. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of your face twice a day, morning and evening, after washing with a mild cleanser and patting dry. Rub it in gently, keep it away from your eyes, and use cosmetics only after applying it. Improvement may take several weeks, so use it for as long as your healthcare provider recommends and do not apply it more often or to unaffected areas.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in MetroCream is metronidazole. The inactive ingredients may include benzyl alcohol, emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, purified water, sorbitol solution, and lactic acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

MetroCream is for use on the skin only. It is not for use in the eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina. Contact with the eyes can cause tearing or irritation, so be careful when applying it near the eye area.

If local irritation develops, such as burning, stinging, redness, or worsening of rosacea, your healthcare provider may recommend using MetroCream less often or stopping treatment.

Use MetroCream with care if you have a history of blood disorders (blood dyscrasias), as metronidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole class of medications.

Oral metronidazole has been reported to increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin and similar anticoagulants, which can prolong prothrombin time. The effect of topical metronidazole on blood clotting is not known.

Avoid applying other medicated or harsh skin products to the same area unless your healthcare provider says it’s okay. Combining topical treatments can increase the chance of irritation.

MetroCream should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Metronidazole crosses the placenta, so any use during pregnancy should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.

When taken by mouth, metronidazole is passed into breast milk. Skin levels from topical use are much lower than from oral use, but talk to your provider about whether to keep using MetroCream or pause breastfeeding.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Keep the tube out of reach of children.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• A known allergy or hypersensitivity to metronidazole, other nitroimidazole medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in MetroCream.

Side Effects

Common side effects of MetroCream include:

• Skin burning or stinging at the application site
• Skin redness (erythema)
• Skin irritation
• Itching (pruritus)
• Dryness or peeling of the skin
• Worsening of rosacea
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Nausea

Stop using MetroCream and get medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, hives, or a widespread rash.

Tell your healthcare provider if skin irritation is severe or doesn’t go away, if rosacea symptoms get worse during treatment, or if you notice any persistent numbness or tingling.

If the cream gets in the eyes by accident, rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a healthcare provider if irritation continues.

References

• MetroCream Highlights of Prescribing Information. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.; 2004.
• MetroCream Drug Label Information. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.; 2018.