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In a controlled clinical trial, safety data from 141 patients who used MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion (n=71), or the lotion vehicle (n=70), twice daily and experienced a local cutaneous adverse event which may or may not have been related to the treatments include: local allergic reaction, MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 2 (3%), lotion vehicle 0; contact dermatitis, MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 2 (3%), lotion vehicle 1 (1%); pruritus, MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 1 (1%), lotion vehicle 0; skin discomfort (burning and stinging), MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 1 (1%), lotion vehicle 2 (3%); erythema, MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 4 (6%), lotion vehicle 0; dry skin, MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 0, lotion vehicle 1 (1%); and worsening of rosacea, MetroLotion® (metronidazole lotion) Topical Lotion 1 (1%), lotion vehicle 7 (10%). The following additional adverse experiences have been reported with the topical use of metronidazole: skin irritation, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities, and nausea.

Oral metronidazole has been reported to potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and coumarin anticoagulants, resulting in a prolongation of prothrombin time. The effect of topical metronidazole on prothrombin time is not known.

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/3/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.