Key takeaways
Metronidazole (Metrogel) and vancomycin (Vancocin) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different medication classes and treat different conditions. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic used topically to treat rosacea, a type of adult acne, by reducing redness and swelling. It is available as a gel, lotion, and cream, and is typically applied once a day. Vancomycin, on the other hand, is a glycopeptide antibiotic taken orally to treat *Clostridioides difficile* (C. diff) diarrhea and severe gut infections. It is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day and comes in capsules and liquid form. While metronidazole is available as a generic and has fewer side effects than oral tablets, it can cause stinging and irritation when applied. Vancomycin is also available as a generic and is a first-line treatment for C. diff diarrhea, but it can cause nausea and has a risk of kidney damage. Additionally, vancomycin can interact with other medications that affect the kidneys or hearing, while metronidazole's main caution is avoiding eye contact to prevent irritation.
