Pharmacokinetics: When one gram dose of NORITATE (metronidazole) cream, 1%, was applied in a single application to the face of 16 healthy volunteers, low concentrations of metronidazole were detected in the plasma of 7 of the volunteers. The mean ± SD Cmax of metronidazole was 27.6 ± 7.3 ng/mL, which is about 1% of the value reported for a single 250 mg oral dose of metronidazole. The time to maximum plasma concentration (T_max) in the volunteers with detectable metronidazole was 8-12 hours after topical application.

Pharmacodynamics: The mechanisms by which metronidazole acts in reducing inflammatory lesions of rosacea are unknown. Clinical Studies: Safety and efficacy of NORITATE (metronidazole) were evaluated in two randomized vehicle-controlled clinical studies for the treatment of rosacea, which excluded patients who had nodules, moderate or severe rhinophyma, dense telangiectases, plaque-like facial edema or ocular involvement and those who had a history of not responding to metronidazole therapy for rosacea. Of the patients included in the efficacy database (n=416), there were 142 men and 274 women. Endpoint efficacy data comparisons for patients treated with daily NORITATE (metronidazole) or vehicle applications are listed below.

*Statistically significant differences between NORITATE (metronidazole) and vehicle groups with p≤0.05. Erythema scores: 0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate and 3=severe.

Safety Studies: Studies of contact sensitization (n=258), phototoxicity (n=21), and photocontact sensitization (n=29) of NORITATE (metronidazole) were conducted. No evidence of sensitization or phototoxicity was seen in these studies.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.