Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Metrogel 0.75%
What METROGEL is used for:
- METROGEL is used to treat rosacea (roh-ZAY-she-ah). This is a condition when the skin on the face is unusually red.
- METROGEL contains an antibacterial ingredient called metronidazole, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Misuse or overuse of METROGEL could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by metronidazole. This means that METROGEL or other medicines that contain metronidazole may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
How METROGEL works:
METROGEL works by reducing inflammation caused by rosacea and/or by killing bacteria
The ingredients in METROGEL are:
Medicinal ingredient(s): metronidazole
Non-medicinal ingredients:
MetroGel 1% - betadex, edetate disodium, hydroxyethyl cellulose 250 HHX, methylparaben, niacinamide, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, propylparaben, and purified water.
MetroGel 0.75% - carbopol 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
METROGEL comes in the following dosage form(s):
METROGEL 1% is supplied in a 55 g high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle with a polypropylene (PP) pump.
METROGEL 0.75% is supplied in 60 g aluminum tubes.
Do not use METROGEL if:
- you have a history of allergy to metronidazole or other ingredients of the formulations. See, “The ingredients in METROGEL are” section.
- you have Cockayne syndrome. Cases of severe liver damage / liver failure, including cases with a fatal outcome have been reported in patients with Cockayne syndrome being treated with products containing metronidazole for systemic use.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take METROGEL. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- Have a history of blood disease.
Are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
- Plan to be in the sun. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds.
Other warnings you should know about:
- If irritation occurs during treatment, discuss with your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional may advise that you discontinue the medication, discontinue the medication temporarily, or take the medication less frequently.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may also interact with METROGEL:
- Coumarin
- Warfarin, a blood thinner
- other imidazole preparations such as clotrimazole and tioconazole, antifungals.
possibly alcohol.
How to take METROGEL:
Usual adult dose:
- Cleanse and dry affected area before applying medication.
- METROGEL 1%: Apply and rub in a thin film once daily to the affected area.
- METROGEL 0.75% : Apply and rub in a thin film twice daily, morning and evening to affected areas.
- After applying metronidazole gel and the medication has dried, cosmetics can be applied.
- Results should be expected in about three weeks with continuing improvement through nine weeks of treatment.
- This medicine is for external use only. Do not use this medicine in or near the eyes. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out immediately, but carefully, with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your healthcare professional.
Usual dose:
Usual adult dose:
Cleanse and dry affected area before applying medication.
METROGEL 1%: Apply and rub in a thin film once daily to the affected area.
METROGEL 0.75% : Apply and rub in a thin film twice daily, morning and evening to affected areas.
Overdose:
Topically applied metronidazole can be absorbed in sufficient amount to produce systemic effects. Massive ingestion may produce vomiting and slight disorientation. If you or anyone else suspects an overdose, promptly call your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose and duration of treatment.
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much METROGEL, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Possible side effects from using METROGEL:
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking METROGEL. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- Skin redness
- Burning and/or stinging of the skin
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Worsening of rosacea symptoms
- Watery eyes
- Eye irritation
- Skin rash
- Skin peeling
- Skin feeling tight
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Contact dermatitis (itchy skin rash)
- Skin inflammation
- Skin pain
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Frequency/Side Effect/Symptom | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking this drug and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| Unknown | ||
| Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction): rash, hives, rapid swelling under the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. | ||
| ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Store at room temperature (15º to 30ºC).
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about METROGEL:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website http://galderma.ca or by calling 1-800-467-2081.
Galderma Canada Inc. Toronto, ON, M5J 2JS
Date of Authorization: 2026-04-29
METROGEL is a registered trademark of Galderma Holding SA, used under license by Galderma Canada.