metronidazole topical 

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

As the mechanism of action is not understood, it is believed to function by preventing the production of DNA in the bacteria, either killing them or halting their growth. Certain anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, which are microorganisms that can live and thrive without oxygen, are successfully eradicated by metronidazole. 

metronidazole topical is mostly effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa and has a narrow spectrum of activity. It is frequently used to treat bacterial skin problems like rosacea, acne, and infected wounds. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Tearing of eyes 

Paresthesia 

Acne 

Aggravated condition 

Dry skin 

Application site reaction 

>10% 

Pruritus (15.8%) 

Skin scaling (24.6%) 

Cutaneous stinging/burning (10.3%) 

Skin dryness (25.4%) 

Post marketing reports 

Allergic reactions 

Rash 

Nausea 

Peripheral neuropathy 

Contact dermatitis 

Constipation 

Skin and eye irritation 

Headache 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

No black box warnings associated with the metronidazole topical.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• People with history of allergic or hypersensitive to metronidazole or any other ingredient in the formulation should not use metronidazole topical. 

Caution: 

• Consult a healthcare provider before using metronidazole topical during pregnancy or breastfeeding.  
• Topical application may lead to less systemic absorption than oral application, vigilance is still suggested. 
• When administered systemically, metronidazole has been linked to a small number of occurrences of peripheral neuropathy, including sensory neuropathy.  
• systemic adverse effects from topical usage are less likely to occur, care should be taken around those who have a history of neurologic diseases. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.    

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.  

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

metronidazole topical enters the cells of bacteria or protozoa. It is chemically reduced by electron transporting proteins inside of the cells. 

Since DNA and other intracellular macromolecules can be damaged by the reactive chemicals produced by reduced metronidazole molecules, cell death or growth inhibition can result. 

Pharmacodynamics 

metronidazole topical enters protozoal cells, goes through reduction, and produces reactive chemicals that can damage protozoal DNA and other intracellular components. This is like how it works against bacteria.  

Anti-inflammatory effects of metronidazole topical have been discovered, which may help explain why it is effective in treating several skin disorders. It can aid in reducing redness, inflammation, and other inflammation-related symptoms brought on by illnesses like rosacea. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

metronidazole topical is barely absorbed via the skin after topical application. The formulation, the health of the skin barrier, and the product all have an impact on how much of the substance is absorbed.  

Distribution 

When taken orally, metronidazole topical has a somewhat broad volume of distribution in the blood, which suggests that it can disperse widely throughout the human tissue. 

Metabolism 

The CYP450 enzyme is principally responsible for the metabolism of metronidazole topical in the liver. Numerous metabolites are created during the metabolism by oxidative reactions.  

Elimination and excretion 

metronidazole topical and its metabolites are mostly eliminated through feces and urine. After topical application, metronidazole’s elimination half-life is typically brief. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

Before applying metronidazole topical, make sure the impacted area of the skin is dry and clean.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: metronidazole topical 

Why do we use metronidazole topical? 

For the treatment of rosacea, a chronic skin disorder characterised by facial redness, flushing, and pimples that resemble acne, metronidazole topical is frequently given. It aids those with rosacea in reducing inflammation and enhancing their skin’s general appearance. 

metronidazole topical can be used as a component in acne treatment programme. It can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments and aids in reducing the irritation brought on by breakouts of acne. Specific bacterial skin infections can be treated with metronidazole topical.