Metronidazole Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 9, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne Rosacea

1% Topical Cream or Gel: Apply and rub in a thin film to entire affected area(s) once a day

0.75% Topical Cream, Gel, or Lotion: Apply and rub in a thin layer to entire affected area(s) twice a day (morning and evening)

Comments:

• Areas to be treated should be washed with a mild/gentle cleanser prior to application of this drug.
• Patients may use cosmetics after application of this drug.
• Topical lotion formulation: Patients should wait until dry (at least 5 minutes) to use cosmetics.

Uses:

• For 0.75% topical cream, gel, or lotion: For the topical treatment of inflammatory papules and pustules of rosacea
• For 1% topical cream: For the topical treatment of inflammatory lesions and erythema of rosacea
• For 1% topical gel: For the topical treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Vaginosis

1.3% Vaginal Gel: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally once at bedtime.

0.75% Vaginal Gel: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally once a day (at bedtime) or twice a day for 5 days.

• Vandazole: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally once a day at bedtime for 5 days.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

• Vandazole: In nonpregnant women

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Vaginosis

1.3% Vaginal Gel:

• Females 12 years or older: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally once at bedtime.

Vandazole (0.75% Vaginal Gel):

• Postmenarchal females: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally once a day at bedtime for 5 days.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

• Vandazole: In nonpregnant women

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Comments:

• According to at least 1 manufacturer, the vaginal gel (0.75%) should be administered cautiously in patients with severe liver disease.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Topical Formulations:

• History of hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients

Vaginal Formulations:

• History of hypersensitivity to the active component, any of the ingredients (including parabens), or other nitroimidazole derivatives
• Concomitant use of disulfiram or use within 2 weeks of disulfiram
• Consumption of alcohol/ethanol or propylene glycol during and for at least 24 hours (1.3% vaginal gel) or for at least 3 days (Vandazole [0.75% vaginal gel]) after therapy

Topical formulations: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Vaginal formulations: Safety and efficacy of the 1.3% vaginal gel have not been established in patients younger than 12 years; safety and efficacy of Vandazole (0.75% vaginal gel) have not been established in premenarchal females.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Topical formulations: For topical use only; not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
• Vaginal formulations: For intravaginal use only; not for ophthalmic, dermal, or oral use.

Storage requirements:

• Store at controlled room temperature 20C to 25C (68F to 77F).
• For 0.75% topical cream, 0.75% topical lotion, and vaginal gel: Protect from freezing.
• For Vandazole (0.75% vaginal gel): Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.
• For 1.3% vaginal gel: Do not refrigerate.

Patient advice (topical formulations):

• Use this product as directed by physician.
• For external use only
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Report any side effects to physician.
• For 0.75% topical formulations: If local irritation occurs, use the product less often or discontinue use.
• For 1% topical formulations: If local irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Patient advice (vaginal formulations):

• Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
• Do not consume alcohol or products containing ethanol or propylene glycol during therapy and for at least 3 days (Vandazole [0.75% vaginal gel]) or for at least 24 hours (1.3% gel) after treatment.
• Do not engage in vaginal intercourse or use other vaginal products (e.g., tampons, douches) during therapy with the 0.75% vaginal gel or after the single administration of the 1.3% vaginal gel.
• Discontinue use and contact healthcare provider if vaginal irritation occurs.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer