Metronidazole is an antimicrobial agent widely used in dermatology and gynecology. The drug is available in various forms, but the most popular is Metronidazole gel containing the same substance in the composition. The medicine has a wide spectrum of action and is used in the treatment of various diseases, a list of indications is given in the instructions for use.
Material Content:
The composition of the drug
Metronidazole has an antimicrobial and antiprotozoal effect, that is, it is effective not only against bacteria, but also protozoan parasites. This provides a large number of indications for the use of the drug.
The gel contains 1% of the active substance, or 0.01 g per 1 g of the drug. As a rule, the drug is available in aluminum tubes with a capacity of 30 g.
The drug is very common and is produced by various pharmacological companies. In addition to the drug Metronidazole, on the shelves of pharmacies you can often find Metrogil gel - a complete analogue of the drug in composition and therapeutic effect.
Types of Metronidazole Gel
The gel is available in two forms - a preparation for external use (used in dermatology) and a vaginal gel used in gynecology.
They contain the same amount of active substance, but differ in auxiliary forming components in the composition. Vaginal gel is produced by Synthesis, Unik, Akos, Nycomed, and the product for external use is Green Dubrava, Unik. The metronidazole vaginal gel contains more gentle additional substances.
The use of the product for external use in the treatment of gynecological diseases is prohibited due to the risk of developing local allergies and irritation caused by the formative components of the composition.
Vaginal gel is available in tubes, but the kit comes with a special plastic applicator designed for convenient dosing and administration of the drug into the vagina.
Forming components in the composition of a dermatological agent:
- E1520 (propylene glycol);
- preservatives E 216 and E 218;
- carbomer stabilizer 940;
- disodium edetate;
- sodium hydroxide (alkali);
- water.
The vaginal gel contains the same components, with the exception of sodium hydroxide, which cannot be applied to the mucous membranes. The introduction of an alkaline agent into the vagina can lead to burns.
Why is the drug prescribed?
The drug is active against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. The tool is effective against trichomonads, gardnerella vaginalis, intestinal giardia, the causative agent of dysentery, bacteroids, and peptostreptococci, which are the reason for the indications for use.
In dermatology, a drug is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:
- rosacea or rosacea;
- inflamed papules and pustules on the skin;
- acne vulgaris;
- steroid dermatitis with a rosacea-like rash.
Against ordinary teenage acne, it is not advisable to use the medicine due to a rather large number of side effects and contraindications, however, a dermatologist can recommend the gel for a large number of acne vulgaris and inflamed acne on the skin. Here it is important to first pass an examination to confirm the infectious (bacterial) nature of the disease. In general, the gel can be used for any skin infection caused by bacteria that are sensitive to the active component of the composition.
The main indication for the use of the drug in gynecology is bacterial vaginosis of various etiologies. The drug can be used to treat urogenital trichomoniasis in men and women, since the main active substance exhibits pronounced activity against trichomonads. In the treatment of trichomoniasis, Metronidazole tablets (Trichopolum) are additionally used.
The drug is prescribed for vaginitis or vaginosis caused by non-specific microorganisms, for example, gardnerella, which are always present in the microflora of the vagina.
In general, the gel has many indications, not all of them are given in the official instructions. So, some doctors prescribe Metronidazole as part of the treatment of anal fissures, hemorrhoids, eczema and pressure sores. In these cases, the gel is used as an auxiliary antiseptic to prevent infection and accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis.
Instructions for use
Gel for external use should be applied to a clean and dry epidermis with a thin layer. Sometimes the drug is used under a bandage, however, this should be agreed with the doctor.
In the treatment of single papules and pustules, it is advisable to use the spot application of the drug. The local drug is used twice a day. The course of therapy is determined individually and depends on the indications for the prescription of the drug. As a rule, the effect is cumulative, the first results of therapy can be noticed after two weeks of regular use of the drug.
Vaginal gel is used twice a day. The recommended dosage is 5 g in the morning and evening, which corresponds to one full applicator. Algorithm of actions:
- Remove the applicator from the protective mica. If a reusable applicator is used, wash it thoroughly with soap for intimate hygiene;
- Screw the applicator onto the gel tube and squeeze out the required amount of the drug so that the tube is completely filled with the medicine;
- Carefully insert the entire applicator into the vagina and slowly press the piston, injecting the gel;
- Slowly remove the empty applicator, rinse thoroughly with soap and rub with alcohol.
Some manufacturers produce the drug with 10 applicators per set, however, most often there is only one in the box that needs to be washed thoroughly after use to prevent re-infection.
The duration of treatment of gynecological diseases with metronidazole depends on the indications and frequency of application of the gel. Usually a five-day course is prescribed with a double administration of the drug. However, the doctor may prescribe another treatment regimen: 5 g of gel before bedtime for 10 days.
Contraindications and side effects
Contraindications of drugs based on metronidazole are individual intolerance to the main active substance or auxiliary components of the composition and the first trimester of pregnancy.
The product for the treatment of dermatological diseases is intended for external use only. It can not be applied to the mucous membranes, avoid contact with eyes. Side effects:
- lacrimation when using the product on the face;
- erythema;
- dry skin;
- itching of the epidermis;
- hyperthermia in the treated area.
Such side effects are non-hazardous and disappear 5-10 minutes after application of the gel.
Side effects of vaginal gel:
- discoloration of urine;
- symptomatic candidiasis;
- irritation and itching of the vulva;
- discomfort in the vagina;
- dry mouth
- spasmodic pains in the lower abdomen;
- headache;
- confusion of consciousness;
- allergic skin reactions.
In very rare cases, pain appears in the uterus, the development of negative neurological symptoms is possible. If severe side effects occur, you should consult your doctor about replacing the drug. Slight discomfort in the vagina (burning, itching) in the first days of treatment should not cause concern, as this is a temporary phenomenon, which disappears as the mucosa gets used to the medicine.
The drug can be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, but only as directed by a doctor. During the treatment of gynecological diseases with metronidazole, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse.
Metronidazole Analogs
The drug for external use is available under the names Metronidazole, Metrogil and Rosamet-cream, Rosex - all these funds are absolute analogues. Vaginal gel can be replaced with suppositories and vaginal tablets Trichopol, Flagil, Metronidazole. Due to the more convenient form of release, gynecologists most often prefer precisely metronidazole suppositories.
The drug is prescription. Before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor, as the medicine is unsafe and can provoke undesirable side effects.
