Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Taro-Metronidazole Gel
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Taro-Metronidazole Gel is used to treat rosacea (roh-ZAY-she-ah). Patients with dry or sensitive skin may prefer using the cream or lotion formulation. This medication should not be used for any other reason than that which it is prescribed.
Taro-Metronidazole Gel contains an antibacterial ingredient called metronidazole, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Misuse or overuse of Taro-Metronidazole Gel could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by metronidazole. This means that Taro-Metronidazole Gel or other medicines that contain metronidazole may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
What it does:
Taro-Metronidazole Gel is effective in reducing the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. It works by reducing inflammation and/or by killing bacteria.
When it should not be used:
Taro-Metronidazole Gel should not be used in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other ingredients of the formulations. See, “What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are”.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Taro-Metronidazole Gel contain metronidazole.
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Non-medicinal ingredients:
beta-cyclodextrine (Kleptose), edetate disodium, hydroxyethyl cellulose (Natrosol 250 HHX Pharma), methylparaben, niacinamide, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, propylparaben, and purified water
What dosage forms it comes in:
Taro-Metronidazole Gel 1% is supplied as 55 g of gel, packaged in a 60 mL high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle with a white polypropylene (PP) pump.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use TARO-METRONIDAZOLE GEL talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You have any allergies to this drug or its ingredients.
- You have a history of blood disease or your blood is not normal in some way.
You are pregnant or nursing.
- You plan to be in the sun. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds.
- Irritation occurs during treatment, discuss with your doctor. Your doctor may advise that you discontinue the medication, discontinue the medication temporarily, or take the medication less frequently.
INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATION
Drugs that may interact with Taro-Metronidazole Gel include: coumarin, warfarin, other imidazole preparations such as clotrimazole and tioconazole, and possibly alcohol.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual adult dose:
Cleanse and dry affected area before applying medication.
Apply and rub in a thin film once daily to the affected area.
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 doctor.
Overdose:
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much Taro-Metronidazole Gel, 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.
Topically applied metronidazole can be absorbed insufficient 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.
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.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Like all prescription medicines, Taro-Metronidazole Gel can have side effects. Some common side effects related to metronidazole were skin redness, burning / stinging, hypersensitivity, skin irritation, dry skin, itching, rosacea worsening. Uncommon side effects were watery eyes, eye irritation, rash, skin peeling, skin tightness, facial swelling, hives, contact dermatitis, skin inflammation, skin pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Taro-Metronidazole Gel contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature (15º to 30ºC). Protect from light.
Store in original container. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
MORE INFORMATION
If you want more information about Taro-Metronidazole Gel:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Consumer 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: www.taro.ca or by calling: 1-800-268-1975.
Date of Preparation: 2026-04-03
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.