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Metronidazole Coupon - Metronidazole 45g of 0.75% tube of gel

metronidazole

Generic Metrogel
Used for Rosacea

Topical metronidazole is a prescription nitroimidazole antibiotic used to treat the red, inflamed bumps and pimples caused by rosacea. It comes as a gel, cream, and lotion. The medication is typically applied to affected areas of your face once or twice a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin irritation and dryness.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on September 25, 2026
basics-icon

What is Topical metronidazole?

What is Topical metronidazole used for?

How Topical metronidazole works

Topical metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic. It isn't fully understood how it treats rosacea, but it's thought to reduce inflammation in the skin. This helps improve the red, inflamed bumps and pimples caused by rosacea.

When does Topical metronidazole start working?Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
Initial effect
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug facts

Common BrandsMetrogel(brand no longer available)
Drug ClassNitroimidazole antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Topical metronidazole

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Metronidazole gel:

  • Dryness (25%)
  • Scaling (25%)
  • Itching (16%)
  • Stinging/burning (10%)

Metronidazole cream:

  • Stinging/burning
  • Redness
  • Skin irritation
  • Itching

Metronidazole lotion:

  • Redness (6%)
  • Allergic reaction (3%)
  • Skin irritation (3%)

Less Common Side Effects

Metronidazole gel:

  • Common cold symptoms
  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion
  • Dry skin
  • Back pain

Metronidazole cream:

  • Metallic taste
  • Tinging or numbness in the arms and legs
  • Nausea

Metronidazole lotion:

  • Itching
  • Stinging/burning

Source: DailyMed

The following Topical metronidazole side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Dry skin

redness or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

stinging or burning of the skin

watering of eyes

Rare

Metallic taste in the mouth

nausea

tingling or numbness of arms, legs, hands, or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Avg retail price
$319.49(Save 93.09%)
GoodRx discount
$22.07
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Pros and cons of Topical metronidazole

Pros

  • Applied directly to the affected areas
  • Has fewer side effects than oral pills
  • Available as a gel, cream, and lotion

Cons

  • Can cause skin dryness or irritation
  • Might take about 3-4 weeks to see some improvement
  • Doesn't cure rosacea
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Pharmacist tips for Topical metronidazole

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  • Topical metronidazole is only for use on your skin. Don't get it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. There is a separate product for metronidazole vaginal gel used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).
  • Use Topical metronidazole regularly, even if your rosacea doesn’t improve right away. It can take several weeks for red bumps and pimples to get better.
  • While using Topical metronidazole, try to avoid triggers that can worsen rosacea, such as alcohol, hot drinks, and spicy foods.
  • Tell your prescriber if Topical metronidazole causes bothersome burning, redness, itching, or irritation. You might need to use the medication less often or stop treatment.
  • Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medications you take while using Topical metronidazole. Even though only a small amount is absorbed through your skin, it might interact with certain medications, such as the blood thinner warfarin.
  • Pregnancy: It isn't known whether Topical metronidazole can harm an unborn baby. Talk to your prescriber before using it if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
  • Breastfeeding: Don't breastfeed while using Topical metronidazole. Talk to your prescriber about the safest way to feed your baby during treatment.
  • Storage: Keep Topical metronidazole at room temperature.

How to use Topical metronidazole

  • Before applying the medication, gently wash the affected skin and pat it dry.
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected areas. Keep the medication away from your eyes to prevent burning and irritation.
  • Let the medication dry completely, then wait at least 5 minutes before applying makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer.
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Risks and warnings for Topical metronidazole

Topical metronidazole can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Nerve problems

  • Risk factors: Oral or injectable metronidazole | Condition that affects your brain or nervous system

Topical metronidazole can rarely cause nerve problems, such as peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning, or unusual sensations in your hands, arms, feet, or legs. Although it's more common with other forms of metronidazole, it has been seen with Topical metronidazole. Contact your prescriber right away if you develop new or worsening nerve symptoms so they can decide if you should continue treatment.

Blood cell problems

Topical metronidazole should be used with caution if you have a blood condition. Tell your prescriber about any history of blood cell problems before starting treatment.

Skin reactions

Topical metronidazole can cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction where it's applied. Symptoms can include redness, itching, burning, swelling, or a rash. Contact your prescriber if you develop a bothersome skin reaction, since you might need to stop using the medication.

Eye irritation

Topical metronidazole can cause your eyes to water or become irritated. Avoid applying the medication in or near your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.

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Topical metronidazole dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 45g of 0.75% of Topical metronidazole is $22.07 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.09% off the average retail price of $319.49.
gel pumpGel pump
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
55g of 1%1 pump$34.06$34.06
tube of gelTube of gel
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
45g of 0.75%1 tube$22.07$22.07
60g of 1%1 tube$38.92$38.92
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Interactions between Topical metronidazole and other drugs

Topical metronidazole may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Topical metronidazole. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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How much does Topical metronidazole cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Topical metronidazole (generic)
GoodRx lowest price

$22.07

(save 91.51%)
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What are alternatives to Topical metronidazole?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Topical metronidazole. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Topical metronidazole
Used for:
$22.07Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea
$36.03Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
$99.43Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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News about Topical metronidazole

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Topical metronidazole images

Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Gel.Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Gel.Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Gel.Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Gel.Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Gel.Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel
This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Gel.Not applicable - Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel

References

Best studies we found

Bausch Health US, LLC. (2020). Noritate (metronidazole) cream, 1% [package insert]. DailyMed.

Draelos, Z. D., et al. (2011). The appearance of facial foundation cosmetics applied after metronidazole gel 1%. Cutis.

Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2026). METRONIDAZOLE lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.

Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2026). METRONIDAZOLE cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

McClellan, K. J., et al. (2000). Topical metronidazole: A review of its use in rosacea. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

MedlinePlus. (2025). Dyscrasias.

Frazier, W., et al. (2024). Rosacea: Common Questions and Answers. American Family Physician.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.. (2026). METRONIDAZOLE gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.. (2026). METRONIDAZOLE gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

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