Metronidazole Topical

Metronidazole comes as a cream, lotion, or gel to be applied to your skin. Metronidazole is usually is applied once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use metronidazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use metronidazole topical in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Be careful not to get metronidazole gel, cream, or lotion in your eyes or mouth. If you do get metronidazole in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and contact your doctor.

Wash the affected skin area before applying the medication. Apply a thin layer of the cream, gel, or lotion to the affected area and rub it in gently. You may use cosmetics on the affected area after waiting at least 5 minutes for the medication to dry.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using metronidazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metronidazole or any of the ingredients in metronidazole topical preparations. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using metronidazole Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a central nervous system condition (diseases of the spinal cord or brain) or a blood disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using metronidazole, call your doctor.

Apply the cream, lotion, or gel as soon as you remember, but do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Metronidazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• increased skin redness, dryness, burning, irritation, or stinging
• teary eyes
• pink eye
• nausea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet
• rash
• itching
• hives

Metronidazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze it.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the metronidazole, call your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.