Does your skin on your face always turn red, with small pimple-like bumps, sometimes accompanied by inflammation? Or do you suffer from another skin infection? When you see a doctor in such a situation, you may be prescribed a cream, gel, or lotion called Metronidazole as a skin treatment. So, although many people use this medicine, it is a question of whether they are really aware of it. Today, let's talk about this medicine called Metronidazole, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Metronidazole?
Simply put, Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is applied to your skin. It is mainly used to treat a skin condition called rosacea . Rosacea is a condition that causes redness of the skin on the face, visible blood vessels, and small red blisters or pus-filled pimples.
This medicine works by reducing inflammation, swelling, redness, and killing or stopping the growth of certain bacteria on your skin. It can come in the form of a cream, gel, or lotion. Your doctor will prescribe the right type for you based on your skin condition. In addition to rosacea , it can also be used for other skin infections, as directed by your doctor.
The most important things to tell your doctor before using this medicine are:
It is very important to have a completely open conversation with your doctor before he prescribes this medicine for you. Because using this medicine with certain conditions can be risky. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about the following:
- If you have a bleeding disorder.
- If you have large areas of skin that are burned or severely injured .
- If you have any allergies, not just to Metronidazole, but to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives, please state them clearly.
- If you are pregnant or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Providing this information to your doctor will greatly help you receive safe and accurate treatment.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly. Remember these steps carefully.
- For topical use only: This is for topical use only. Do not take it by mouth or apply it anywhere else for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Take care of your eyes: Be careful not to let the medicine get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Use it every day, exactly as your doctor tells you, for the correct amount of time and at the correct time. Don't use it too often.
- Complete the full course: You may feel better after a few days. However, do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Taking the full course will help prevent the disease from coming back.
- Apply a thin layer: You don't need to apply a lot of the medicine. Clean and dry the affected skin area, then apply a thin film .
- Use in children: If using this medicine in young children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it and get special instructions.
- In case of overdose: If someone uses too much of this medicine or accidentally swallows it, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not share: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not let anyone else use it, even if your symptoms are similar.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications and substances can interact with Metronidazole. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. See the table below.
| What can collide | Description and what to pay attention to |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Even when applied to the skin, this medicine can be absorbed into the body in very small amounts. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using alcohol or products containing alcohol while taking Metronidazole. |
| Warfarin | Warfarin is a medicine that prevents blood clotting. Metronidazole can increase the effects of warfarin. This may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are taking warfarin, be sure to tell your doctor before using this medicine. |
This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Metronidazole can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions (Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing) | Stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice. |
| Pain, numbness, or loss of feeling in the hands or feet | Inform your doctor immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Increased tearing after applying the medicine | Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. |
| Minor itching, redness, or dryness of the skin | This usually occurs and goes away in the first few days, but if it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth | This is rare but can occur. Tell your doctor if it bothers you. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, don't be afraid to ask your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Metronidazole is a topical medication used primarily for skin conditions such as rosacea .
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before using the medication.
- Use the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the full duration of the prescribed period. Do not stop taking the medicine on your own.
- Be careful not to get it in your eyes. If you experience any unusual side effects (especially allergic symptoms), seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking blood thinners like Warfarin or if you drink alcohol.
- It may take some time for this medicine to show results, so be patient and continue the treatment.
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