Do you know, in human body, which is the largest organ? And to everyone’s surprise the answer is ‘Skin’ as it naturally covers and protects everything inside our human body. Because of the skin, we have the sense of touch. Just imagine, without skin, how we would have appeared? Our bones, muscles and all other organs would not have been organized and would have been hanging all around. So, the skin is one of the most important organs and it consists of cells and tissues and accordingly performs some specific functions of the body.

As every organ gets infected through some bacteria’s, parasites, infections or diseases, same is the case with the skin organ. Our skin often falls prey to various kinds of diseases. And hence, proper care should be taken to get rid of such skin infections on time to remain healthy.To treat such skin infections caused by the bacteria’s and protozoan parasites, Metrogel 1 i.e. Metronidazole gel has been made. However, Metronidazole is a man-made drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites protozoa. A single gm of Metrogel contains 10mg Metronidazole, in a base of propylparaben, propylene glycol, phenozyethanol, niacinamide, betadex, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylparaben, edetate disodium, and purified water.

It is also used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas Vaginalis, Ameba and Giardia and also is effective against anaerobic bacterial infections. Anaerobic bacteria are a type of bacteria that grow without oxygen.
Metronidazole gel also is used for treating Rosacea, which is a chronic skin disease present in the form of acne, swelling, redness, pustules, papules, oily skin with painful pimples etc. primarily on the face. The other areas that can also be affected are chest, back, neck, ears, scalp, nose, forehead etc.

Generic Metronidazole is applied on the skin of adults which in return clears all these Rosacea’s skin infection gradually reducing the redness and pimples present on the skin. Metronidazole 1 gel is available in 30gm and 60gm respectively.
Metronidazole was approved by the FDA in 1963.

Please consult your doctor for the exact prescription of the Metrogel medication. The usual treatment of Rosacea is by applying Metronidazole gel once or twice daily. The usual dose of the vaginal form of Metronidazole gel is one applicator containing 37.5mg of Metronidazole intra vaginally twice daily for 5 days. It should be applied once in the morning and once in the evening. Caution is to be maintained while applying near sensitive areas like eyes.

This Metronidazole gel should be used in this particular way:

Step 1: Strictly before applying the gel, wash your hands, face and the affected area completely with the soap or light cleaning lotion and water to make them clean.

Step 2: Wipe it clean with the moist cotton, towel or tissue.

Step 3: Now, you can apply a thin layer of the gel on your affected area.

Step 4: Avoid applying too close near your eyes, nostrils, mouth etc.

Step 5: Gently massage the gel that you have applied, so that your skin soaks the medicine well.

Step 6: Again, wash your hands properly when you are done with the medicine.

Step 7: Remember, if you want to apply any make up material like foundation cream, any moisturizer or blush on wait for at least 10 minutes or more after applying the gel. Let the gel dry well and then you can carry on with your make up stuff.

There are less side effects noticed, however, 6 of patients 1 in 16 develop symptoms of Candida vaginitis during or shortly after therapy. About 1 in 70 develops vaginal or vulvar itching 1 in 30 develop gastrointestinal cramps or pain 1 in 50 develop nausea and 1 in 60 develop a metallic taste.

Some common side effects have been reported such as, itching, redness, peeling or burning of the skin, dryness in skin etc. Contact your doctor immediately and stop the applying the gel immediately, if any of the symptoms grow severe. The severe symptoms may be seen as, Uneasiness in the chest, breathing difficulty, watery eyes, worsening of Rosacea condition, swelling on different parts of body such as, face, lips, tongue, hands, feet, mouth etc.

Remember, Metrogel is prescribed for external use only and in low amount. Internal use may cause some serious harmful effects. Alcoholic beverages should not be drunk while being treated with Metronidazole vaginal gel, as this may result in a reaction with such symptoms as, headache, nausea, weakness, confusion and even psychosis. This is the same reaction disulfiram reaction that occurs in alcoholics, who drink alcohol while taking Antabuse a drug used to discourage them from drinking alcohol.

Oral Metronidazole interacts with warfarin Coumadin increasing the latters blood-thinning properties and may cause serious interactions. Little Metronidazole is absorbed from the vagina and it is not known if the low blood levels achieved with vaginal Metronidazole can result in this interaction. Cardizem Tiazac Dilacor may cause elevated and toxic levels of Metronidazole. Consult your dermatologist doctor for more information.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Remember, if Rosacea is not treated in time, the blood vessels can stay dilated, resulting in permanent skin damage as the Rosacea not only causes pimples but also can produce swelling of the blood vessels that cause easy blushing or flushing.

Generic Metronidazole prevents these protozoan and bacterial infections from taking the root in the skin cells, and finally kills these organs and cures all the skin condition. Metrogel is also known as Rosacea Cream and used to treat Rosacea.

Avoid exposure to windy or cold weather and also protect yourself from strong sunlight or lights by different protective measures like, sunscreen lotions, sunglasses, scarfs, hats. Also try to cover your body parts completely, if you get sunburns easily.

During the treatment for Rosacea, you need to take proper precautions and stay in contact with your dermatologist for every progress and side effects that you notice during the treatment.

Boys are recommended to ask the doctor that what kind of shaving creams, razor, any other cream etc. can be used during the treatment. Similarly, girls also have to keep a keen eye on what type of skin care products or cosmetics can be used to avoid any reactions. Be particular while choosing your waxing creams, lipsticks, foundations or any make up items and do consult your doctor for sure, so that these products may prove safe for your skin.

If you miss an application of this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next application, skip the missed application and continue to your regular dosing application. Do not over dose your applications in any case, as it may lead to serious skin conditions. Better, consult your doctor for the missed dosage.

Metronidazole gel is used for treating Rosacea. Metronidazole vaginal gel is used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis also referred to as Hemophilus vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis or nonspecific vaginitis, a bacterial infection of the vagina. It is not effective in treating another common vaginal infection Candidal vaginosis yeast infection.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses also, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Metrogel 1 medication.

Metronidazole gel should be stored ideally at room temperature between 59 – 86 degrees F and 15-30 degrees C in a dry place. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all the gels away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat, dampness and direct light. Moisture or heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the gels in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Metrogel:

1. Tell your doctor that if you have ever suffered or are suffering from some kind of mild or severe skin disease.

2. Also acknowledge your doctor if you need to undergo any kind of skin surgery, so that the doctor can decide whether to continue taking Metrogel or stop it during the surgery.

3. Let your dermatologist doctor also know if you are in-taking or are planning to take any prescribed or non prescribed medicines, health supplements, vitamins or any OTC medications or any skin treatment etc.

4. Do not take this Metrogel, if you have any kind of allergy to it or to any ingredients and also inform your doctor about your particular allergy and get treated.

5. Do not forget to wash your face with a light cleaning lotion or mild soap and water before and after applying the gel.

6. It is recommended that you do not wash your face more than 2-3 times a day as this may cause your pimples to burst and drive the bacteria’s into the pores and spread the infection.

7. For applying the gel always use fresh cotton or pledget which you have not used already.

8. Avoid using skin care products that can dry out your skin, or those that contain astringents, alpha hydroxy acid, alcohol, acne or chemical peels, triclosan, benzoyl peroxide, as well as toners, topical exfoliants, topical retinoids etc.

9. Do not keep any expired or leftover gel for future use and enquire your pharmacist regarding safe disposal methods for the gel.

10. Remember, the gel is for external use only. In case, if it gets into your eyes or other sensitive areas, immediately wash your hands and then wash your eyes or your sensitive parts with plenty of water. If the irritation persists, call your doctor immediately and get treated accordingly.

11. If you wish to use this gel in children, it is strictly recommended that the children use this gel only under medical supervision.

12. Do not share your gel with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves.

13. And if your symptoms of side effects do not improve in few weeks or if they become worse and bothersome, check these conditions with your doctor.

14. Caution is recommended to avoid activities that will cause sunburn to your skin or any kind of damage to your skin.

15. Please, take the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time.

16. This treatment can take around 8-10 weeks to show its full benefits by using this gel. And still if you don’t notice any improvements even after 3 weeks, contact your dermatologist and discuss about the further treatment. Do not discontinue on your own and consult your doctor before doing so to avoid further problems.