From the Guidelines
MetroGel 1% should be applied once daily to the affected area for the treatment of rosacea, as this frequency has been shown to be equally effective as twice daily application 1. When using MetroGel 1% for rosacea, it is essential to apply a thin layer to the entire affected area, ensuring the area is first washed and dried.
- A pea-sized amount is generally sufficient for facial application.
- Patients should wash their hands before and after application and avoid contact with eyes. The medication works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, and improvement may be seen within a few weeks 1.
- Side effects may include skin irritation, redness, or dryness at the application site. It is crucial to continue using the medication as prescribed to maintain results and prevent recurrence, as metronidazole 0.75% and 1.0% strengths have been confirmed to be effective and safe for long-term use 1.
From the Research
Metrogel 1% Frequency of Application
- The frequency of application for Metrogel 1% is typically once daily, as seen in a study comparing once-daily metronidazole 1% gel with twice-daily azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea 2.
- Another study evaluated the efficacy of topical metronidazole, sulfacetamide/sulfur, and azelaic acid for patients with mild rosacea, but did not specify the frequency of application 3.
- A review of interventions for rosacea found that topical metronidazole was effective in reducing inflammatory lesion counts and erythema, but did not provide information on the frequency of application 4.
- A study on the treatment of rosacea found that topical metronidazole was appropriate for maintenance therapy, but did not specify the frequency of application 5.
- An exploratory study assessed the safety and effectiveness of metronidazole gel 1% used in conjunction with oral doxycycline, with metronidazole gel applied once daily 6.