Prescription Drugs

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The mechanisms by which metronidazole acts in the treatment of rosacea are unknown, but appear to include an anti-inflammatory effect.

Find Lowest Prices on MetroCream® (metronidazole) Topical Cream 0.75% FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY (NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE) DESCRIPTION METROCREAM® Topical Cream contains metronidazole, USP, at a concentration of 7.5 mg per gram (0.75%) in an emollient cream consisting of benzyl alcohol, emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, purified water, sorbitol solution, lactic acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. Metronidazole is a member of the imidazole class of antibacterial agents and is classified therapeutically as an antiprotozoal and anti-bacterial agent. Chemically, metronidazole is 2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazole-1-ethanol. The molecular formula is C6H9N3O3 and molecular weight is 171.16. Metronidazole is represented by the following structural formula:

INDICATIONS METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream is indicated for topical application in the treatment of inflammatory papules and pustules of rosacea. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply and rub in a thin layer of METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream twice daily, morning and evening, to entire affected areas after washing. Areas to be treated should be washed with a mild cleanser before application. Patients may use cosmetics after application of METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream. HOW SUPPLIED METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream, 0.75% is supplied in a 45 g aluminum tube -NDC 0299-3836-45. Storage conditions: STORE AT CONTROLLED ROOM TEMPERATURE: 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C). Marketed by: GALDERMA LABORATORIES, L.P. Fort Worth, Texas 76177, USA. Manufactured by: DPT Laboratories, Ltd. San Antonio, Texas 78215, USA. Revised: December 2002. FDA Rev date: 8/30/2002

PATIENT INFORMATION This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

OVERDOSE No information provided. CONTRAINDICATIONS METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to metronidazole, or other ingredients of the formulation.

SIDE EFFECTS In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream was approximately 10%. Skin discomfort (burning and stinging) was the most frequently reported event followed by erythema, skin irritation, pruritus and worsening of rosacea. All individual events occurred in less than 3% of patients. The following additional adverse experiences have been reported with the topical use of metronidazole: dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities and nausea. DRUG INTERACTIONS Oral metronidazole has been reported to potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and coumarin anticoagulants, resulting in a prolongation of prothrombin time. The effect of topical metronidazole on prothrombin time is not known.

WARNINGS No information provided. PRECAUTIONS General: Topical metronidazole has been reported to cause tearing of the eyes. Therefore, contact with the eyes should be avoided. If a reaction suggesting local irritation occurs, patients should be directed to use the medication less frequently or discontinue use. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole and should be used with care in patients with evidence of, or history of blood dyscrasia. Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility Metronidazole has shown evidence of carcinogenic activity in a number of studies involving chronic, oral administration in mice and rats but not in studies involving hamsters. Metronidazole has shown evidence of mutagenic activity in several in vitro bacterial assay systems. In addition, a dose-response increase in the frequency of micronuclei was observed in mice after intraperitoneal injections and an increase in chromosome aberrations have been reported in patients with Crohn's disease who were treated with 200-1200 mg/day of metronidazole for 1 to 24 months. However, no excess chromosomal aberrations in circulating human lymphocytes have been observed in patients treated for 8 months. Pregnancy Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy category B There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with the use of METROCREAM® (metronidazole topical cream) Topical Cream in pregnant women. Metron-idazole crosses the placental barrier and enters the fetal circulation rapidly. No fetotoxicity was observed after oral metronidazole in rats or mice. However, because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response and since oral metronidazole has been shown to be a carcinogen in some rodents, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nursing mothers After oral administration, metronida-zole is secreted in breast milk in concentrations similar to those found in the plasma. Even though blood levels are significantly lower with topically applied metronida-zole than those achieved after oral administration of metronidazole, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Pediatric use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.