Metronidazole for acne how to take

Does the drug Metronidazole help with acne? Reviews of the effectiveness of this medicine will be presented at the end of the article. You will also learn about the features of this medication and how to use it correctly to treat skin diseases.

Form, composition

Before I tell you how to use Metronidazole for acne, it is necessary to tell you in what forms it is sold in pharmacies. According to the attached instructions, this product can be purchased in the form of:

1. White or yellowish-green tablets of flat-cylindrical shape, with a chamfer and a score. The active element of this drug is metronidazole. The drug also contains the following excipients: stearic acid, potato starch and talc.
2. Colorless gel for topical use. Its main component is also metronidazole. The drug is available in tubes placed in paper packs.

Features of treatment

Before using Metronidazole for acne, you should consult a dermatologist. After all, only an experienced specialist will be able to diagnose this skin disease and prescribe effective therapy.

As you know, acne, demodicosis and acne are treated with antimicrobial agents. But this is only if the disease is bacterial in nature or is complicated by a secondary infection.

According to experts, Metronidazole for acne is in great demand. This is due to the fact that this drug exhibits powerful antibacterial properties and has a rapid therapeutic effect. Moreover, skin diseases can be treated not only with local gel, but also with the tablet form of this medicine.

Operating principle

Why is the drug Metronidazole (gel) so effective for acne? The fact is that it is an antimicrobial and antiprotozoal agent, which is a derivative of penta-nitroimidazole. The principle of its action is the biological and chemical reduction of the five-nitro group by transport intracellular proteins of protozoan and anaerobic microorganisms. As a result, the reduced five-nitro group interacts with the deoxyribonucleic acid of bacterial cells, inhibits their synthesis, which subsequently leads to the death of harmful microorganisms.

Properties of the drug

The drug "Metronidazole" for acne is very effective. It is also active against gram-negative and some gram-positive anaerobes. In combination with the antibiotic Amoxicillin, this drug is highly effective against Hlicobacter pylori. It should be noted that facultative anaerobes and aerobic microorganisms are not sensitive to metronidazole, however, in the presence of mixed flora, it acts synergistically with antibiotics that are effective against common aerobes.

The agent in question increases the sensitivity of tumors to radiation, and also causes sensitization to alcohol and stimulates reparative processes.

Indications of the medicine

The drug "Metronidazole" (tablets) for acne is taken very often. But no less often it is prescribed for diseases such as:

1. extraintestinal amebiasis, intestinal amebiasis, liver abscess, trichomoniasis;
2. joint and bone infections, central nervous system infections, including meningitis, bacterial endocarditis, brain abscess, empyema and pneumonia;
3. infections of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs;
4. pseudomembranous colitis;
5. gastritis or ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

Contraindications of the drug

When should you not use Metronidazole for acne? Reviews state that this drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its components, leukopenia, organic lesions of the central nervous system, liver failure, pregnancy (in the first trimester), as well as during lactation.

In addition, this medicine is prescribed with caution in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as in case of renal failure.

The drug "Metronidazole" for acne: how to take?

As mentioned above, for the treatment of acne, the medication in question can be used in two different forms: in the form of a gel and tablets. It is very important to remember that only an experienced dermatologist can prescribe this medicine, after examining the patient and passing all the tests. It should also be noted that this remedy has many side effects and contraindications. Their presence should be taken into account before starting therapy.

Depending on the bacterial pathogen and the severity of the disease, the oral form of the drug in question in a standard dose of 250 mg must be taken twice a day. It is advisable to swallow the tablets whole after meals in order to prevent the development of pain in the epigastric region.

Treatment of skin diseases with this remedy should last at least 5-10 days. However, more severe forms of rash may require a longer period of treatment, up to 5-6 months (with frequent breaks).

Using acne gel

How should you properly use Metronidazole (gel) for acne? Reviews claim that such a local drug is sold in almost all pharmacies. Its trade name sounds like “Metrogil Gel” (not to be confused with the dental product “Metrogil Denta”).

The medication in question must be applied to dry and thoroughly cleansed skin in a very thin layer. In this case, the medicine should not be rubbed in; it should be absorbed on its own.

It is advisable to repeat such treatment procedures in the morning and before bedtime. The gel should not be washed off during the day. It must be exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long time.

The course of therapy with this gel is 8-9 weeks. In this case, sustainable treatment results will be noticeable already on days 21-25.

How to make lotion with Metronidazole for acne?

Making a drying and antibacterial agent at home is quite simple. To do this, 5 Metronidazole tablets are crushed into powder, and then mixed with 100 ml of clean water. All damaged areas of the skin are treated with the finished medicine twice a day. After such a procedure, it is advisable to use a moisturizer.

How to make a mask with Metronidazole for acne?

To make such a remedy, you need to grind 2 tablets of the drug to a powder consistency, and then mix it with two dessert spoons of kaolin. Having diluted the resulting mixture with water to a thick paste, apply it in a thick layer to a previously washed face and leave for 20 minutes, and then carefully remove it with a damp cotton pad. This mask should be used no more than 4 times every 8 days.

Patient reviews

Almost all reports from patients using the drug Metronidazole for acne leave positive reviews about it. They claim that this product really helps clear the skin of acne. In addition, some representatives of the fair sex report that this drug significantly improves complexion, general physical condition and promotes weight loss.

It should also be noted that a large number of consumers constantly complain of the development of side effects such as an allergic reaction, urticaria and severe itching. Most often, such phenomena are observed in adolescents. In addition, this drug has a negative effect on the fetus during pregnancy, as well as on liver function.

Metronidazole for acne is most often prescribed for external use. Oral administration is advisable for chronic gastrointestinal pathologies (gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers), against which acne has occurred. Whether Metronidazole helps with acne will allow you to understand the pharmacological effect of the drug.

Composition and release forms

The medicine is available in the form of a gel, a solution for external use and in the form of tablets for oral administration. Tablets are also often used to prepare acne mash.

The main active ingredient of the drug is the active substance of the same name – metronidazole. The active ingredient has antibacterial activity.

For which acne is Metronidazole prescribed?

An antibacterial drug is used to treat acne vulgaris and rosacea.

For internal acne, which could arise against the background of chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the drug is prescribed in combination with Amoxicillin.

Action on acne

When used externally, the drug has the following effects on damaged skin:

1. dries out inflamed elements;
2. reduces sebum production;
3. inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria;
4. relieves redness at the site of inflammation;
5. accelerates the process of tissue regeneration.

When used internally, Metronidazole helps suppress the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which could be one of the causes of acne on the face.

Contraindications for use

Metronidazole tablets for acne should not be taken in the following cases:

1. decreased level of leukocytes in the blood;
2. pregnancy and breastfeeding;
3. CNS lesions, including epilepsy;
4. individual intolerance.

The medicine is not suitable for local use in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance. Before external use, pregnant and lactating women should first consult a doctor.

Adverse reactions

If taken orally, tablets can provoke a number of negative reactions, including:

1. dyspeptic syndrome;
2. pancreatitis; dizziness;
3. decreased concentration;
4. depressive states;
5. disturbances in the functioning of the urinary organs;
6. decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood.

In the local treatment of acne on the face, the active substance can cause an allergic reaction, manifested in the form of rash, hyperemia and itching. The medicine can also cause increased dryness of the skin and irritation.

Recommendations before use

Before taking Metronidazole orally for acne, you should make sure there are no contraindications.

During the treatment period, you should not drink alcohol. The combination of the main drug and Amoxicillin is contraindicated for adolescents under 18 years of age.

Since the antibacterial component can lead to the development of leukopenia, during the entire treatment it is necessary to monitor the blood composition by taking tests.

Under no circumstances should the drug be taken without a doctor's prescription, as this can lead to serious consequences.

In case of topical use, you should first make sure that the skin is not hypersensitive to the medicine. To do this, a small test is carried out by applying the substance to a more sensitive area. These include the inner bend of the elbow and wrist. If there is no reaction after half an hour, the drug can be used for its intended purpose.

Drug interactions

Medicines from the sulfonamide group (Streptocide) enhance the antibacterial effect of the second drug. For this reason, the two drugs are often combined in the preparation of topical lotions and topicals.

Ingestion

Metronidazole against acne is taken orally, 1 tablet with meals. The daily dosage is 2 tablets. On average, the course of treatment lasts 10 days.

The dosage and duration of therapy may vary in each individual case and should be adjusted directly by the doctor.

Methods of external use

Metronidazole anti-acne gel is applied to previously cleansed skin of sebum and other contaminants. The active substance is distributed over the areas where the inflammatory process is directly localized. For extensive small acne, the ointment is applied in a thin layer to the entire face. The instructions recommend using the medicine in the morning and evening. The duration of use is determined directly by the dermatologist.

The tablets are used at home to prepare medicinal mash, masks and lotions, the recipes of which are described below.

Mask recipe

Metronidazole effectively helps against acne on the face in combination with white clay. For a heaping tablespoon of kaolin you will need a couple of crushed tablets of the second ingredient. To enhance the therapeutic effect, you can add a Streptocide tablet. Both components are mixed with a small amount of boiled water. You should get a consistency reminiscent of thick sour cream.

The finished mask is laid out in an even layer on a previously cleansed face. The exposure time should not exceed 10 minutes. After the recommended period of exposure, the remaining product is washed off with warm water. Then apply a small amount of hypoallergenic cream with a light texture and non-comedogenic formula.

Using the mask twice a week will completely get rid of rashes.

Preparing mash

Metronidazole for acne is prepared with the addition of Streptocide based on calendula tincture. The first two components have a powerful antibacterial effect and drying effect, and the third helps to more quickly relieve inflammation, eliminate redness and restore damaged tissue.

For a 40 ml bottle of tincture you will need three crushed tablets of each drug. The components are mixed, after which the medicine is ready for use. The product must be shaken before each use.

You can replace calendula tincture with salicylic alcohol, which has a keratolytic (exfoliating) effect. The medicine is prepared in a similar way.

You can also prepare a medicinal solution based on camphor alcohol. A 40 ml bottle will require half the standard of basic medicinal tablets and a couple of units of Levomycetin. Solid ingredients are thoroughly ground to a powder before mixing.

The chatterbox helps well against internal, subcutaneous, cold-related acne and other types of rashes.

Lotion composition

Half a glass of boiled water will require half a Metronidazole standard. Before mixing, the tablets are pre-crushed. Wipe your face with the resulting solution morning and evening. To enhance the antibacterial effect, you can add a couple of tablets of Streptocide or acetylsalicylic acid to the lotion. Apply until redness disappears completely.

Metronidazole analogs

Identical drugs that can also be used against acne are:

Trichopolum is available in the form of tablets and solution. For acne, it is recommended to use the first form of release. The medicine can also be used in masks, mash and lotions.

Metrogyl is produced in the form of gel, tablets and solution. To treat acne, a gel is most often used for local use.

Klion is available in tablet form and is also prepared as a solution for topical use. Can serve as an alternative in the treatment of acne, due to a similar composition.

Reviews of Metronidazole for acne

A medicine with an antibacterial effect, when used correctly, most often receives positive reviews. The drug helps to cleanse the face of inflamed elements and prevents the further appearance of rashes.

In some cases, the drug leads to side effects, both when taken orally and locally. To avoid unwanted reactions, before use you should definitely consult a dermatologist who will tell you how to properly take Metronidazole for acne in a particular case.

Diseases of the endocrine and digestive systems, infections, weakened immunity are often accompanied by the appearance of skin rashes. If the rash is infectious, local and systemic antibiotics may be prescribed.

Metronidazole ® for acne is used if the inflammatory process is caused by microorganisms sensitive to antibiotics. The tablets can be used internally - for systemic antibiotic therapy, or as part of masks. The finished product for external use is produced under the trade name Metrogyl ®.
Content:

Metronidazole ® for acne

The active substance of the drug belongs to the group of synthetic antibiotics and has a pronounced antiprotozoal and antimicrobial bactericidal effect. Many pathogens of intestinal and skin infections are susceptible to it, which makes it possible to use the drug for the treatment of skin rashes. For this purpose, two dosage forms are used:

1. Tablets containing 250 mg of antibiotic each, packaged in blisters and cardboard packs. The tablet form is used for rashes in isolated cases.
2. External gel, the concentration of metronidazole ® in which is 1%. Sold under its own trade name "Metrogil ®" in 30 ml tubes.

Metronidazole ® cream is also available, but it is not suitable for the face, since it is exclusively a vaginal product, and an infusion solution. Both dosage forms are not intended to treat dermatological problems.

Gel Metrogyl ®

The product of the Indian pharmaceutical company Unique Pharmaceutical ® is sold in pharmacies at a very reasonable price of about 200 rubles. When purchasing, you need to pay attention that there is also a vaginal product in the form of a gel, which contains a similar amount of antibiotic, but differs in the composition of the auxiliary components.

You need to purchase the version for external use. In addition, the medicine should be used only as prescribed by a dermatologist.

Indications

The list of skin problems for which the drug has a therapeutic effect includes the following:

1. acne vulgaris;
2. rosacea (pink acne);
3. demodicosis

It also helps against trophic ulcers, seborrhea, bedsores and other diseases.

When applied topically, metronidazole ® eliminates only the inflammatory component of the rash. The gel is not effective against spots, scars and telangiectasia due to rosacea.

Mode of application

Before using Metronidazole ® for acne as a topical gel, your face must be thoroughly cleansed. After removing makeup and natural impurities, apply a thin layer of the product to dry skin. This should be done in the morning and before bed (that is, twice a day) until the rash disappears. On average, this takes about 2-3 months, but noticeable results appear already in the third week of use.

Contraindications, side effects

The only categorical prohibition on the use of Metrogyl is intolerance to any of its ingredients. The gel is not contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, but caution must be exercised during the first trimester.

Side effects of metronidazole ® can manifest themselves in the form of local allergic reactions: redness of the skin, itching.

Metronidazole ® tablets

Pharmacy chains sell drugs from both domestic and foreign manufacturers, so the price per package may vary. The minimum cost of 20 tablets is about twenty rubles.

Indications

The instructions for use indicate diseases such as:

1. protozoal infections, including various forms of amebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis, vaginitis and urethritis caused by Trichomonas;
2. infections of bone tissue, skin, muscles and joints;
3. inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs and abdominal cavity.

As part of complex therapy, the drug is used for meningitis, endocarditis, etc.

The tablet form of the drug is practically ineffective for demodex and acne. The drug is used in isolated cases, with laboratory confirmation of a high level of sensitivity of the pathogen to the antibiotic.

Contraindications, side effects

Before taking tablets orally as systemic antibiotic therapy for rashes, you should consult your doctor and undergo the necessary tests. This is necessary not only to accurately determine the pathogen and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment, but also to exclude contraindications.

The tablet form is contraindicated:

1. pregnant women (especially during the first trimester) and breastfeeding;
2. liver failure;
3. some diseases of the central nervous system and hematopoietic disorders;
4. hypersensitivity.

In addition, unwanted side effects may occur in the form of dyspepsia, central nervous system dysfunction, allergies and other disorders.

Directions for internal use

How exactly to take Metronidazole ® for demodicosis, pimples and acne is determined by the doctor based on test results. The standard treatment regimen involves a 10-day course, 250 mg (1 tablet) of the drug twice a day. However, the daily dose and duration of antibiotic therapy may vary according to indications.

External use

This method has proven itself for a long time, since it has fewer contraindications and is more effective. As an alternative to ready-made gel for external use, you can use homemade home remedies from Metronidazole ® tablets for acne and acne:

1. Lotion, which requires five crushed tablets of 250 mg, dissolve in 100 ml of boiled chilled water.
2. Mask with kaolin, made from 2 teaspoons of white clay and two crushed tablets. Both components are mixed and brought to the consistency of sour cream by adding a small amount of warm water.

Using the lotion is almost the same as using Metrogyl gel. Pre-cleansed facial skin should be wiped twice a day with the prepared product using a cotton pad. The duration of treatment is until the problem disappears, but it should be borne in mind that in this form Metronidazole for acne and pimples dries out the skin. To avoid irritation, be sure to use an intense moisturizer.

The mask is also applied to a previously cleansed face. The layer needs to be made thicker to prevent the clay from drying out, and left for 15 minutes. Then rinse with water and be sure to apply moisturizing cream or Metrogyl gel to enhance the effect. Such masks are made every other day if the skin is prone to oiliness, or once every three days if the skin is dry until the rash disappears.

Reviews on the use of Metronidazole ® for acne

Anna, 26 years old:

“I have known about these pills for a very long time, since various gynecological problems often arise against the background of a weakened immune system. They always saved me from vaginosis of bacterial origin, and of the mass of side effects indicated in the instructions, I only had to deal with indigestion. Recently, large subcutaneous pimples appeared on my face in large quantities, quite painful.

Deciding that this was a purely aesthetic problem, she turned to a cosmetologist, but none of the recommended external remedies had any effect. I had to go to a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with a bacterial infection and prescribed Metronidazole ® to take. I was very surprised, but I followed the advice, and already on the 3rd day the acne began to dry out and decrease, and by the end of the course they disappeared completely. True, I took 500 mg and additionally used Metronidazole ® gel, the reviews of which are all entirely positive.”

Elena, 22 years old:

“I have been plagued by acne for several years, since adolescence. My skin is oily and problematic, so inflammation happens often, but I have learned to deal with pimples and acne. Long ago, on the advice of a doctor, I tried a homemade lotion made from water and tablets, and then I learned a recipe for an effective mask with clay.

If rashes appear, I apply this mask every other day, additionally lubricating my face with Metrogyl ® afterwards. After just a few uses, not even a trace of acne remains. For those who have dry skin, I recommend that you definitely buy the most effective moisturizer for the treatment period, because both the lotion and the mask dry out and tighten the face quite a lot.”

Yulia Peshkova

Certified specialist, in 2014 she graduated with honors from the Orenburg State University with a degree in microbiologist. Graduate of the graduate school of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Orenburg State Agrarian University.

In 2015 At the Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, she completed advanced training in the additional professional program “Bacteriology”.

Laureate of the All-Russian competition for the best scientific work in the category "Biological Sciences" 2017.