What is Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Metronidazole topical (for the skin) is used to treat skin lesions caused by rosacea.
Metronidazole topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Do not use metronidazole topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Before using metronidazole topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a blood cell disorder such as anemia or decreased white blood cells.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Metronidazole topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not use topical metronidazole in the vagina.
Call your doctor if you have severe stinging or burning when you apply metronidazole topical.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before any infection is completely treated. Do not use metronidazole topical to treat any other skin infection your doctor has not prescribed it for.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Do not use metronidazole topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Before using metronidazole topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a blood cell disorder such as anemia or decreased white blood cells.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use metronidazole topical.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Metronidazole passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Metronidazole Topical Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have severe stinging or burning when you apply metronidazole topical.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild burning or stinging when the medication is applied
- numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet
- cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, cold symptoms
- vaginal itching or discharge
- headache
- dry, scaly, or itchy skin
- nausea; or
- metallic taste in your mouth
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Metronidazole Topical Interactions
What other drugs affect Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied metronidazole. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Metronidazole topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not use topical metronidazole in the vagina.
Metronidazole Topical Dosage
How should I take Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Wash and gently dry your skin before applying metronidazole topical
Apply the medication in a thin layer and rub in completely. You may apply cosmetics after using metronidazole topical.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before any infection is completely treated. Do not use metronidazole topical to treat any other skin infection your doctor has not prescribed it for.
Store metronidazole topical at room temperature away from moisture or heat.
What happens if I overdose on Metronidazole Topical (Noritate)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of metronidazole applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Noritate (Metronidazole Topical)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com