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Topical metronidazole
Topical metronidazole reduces inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in skin conditions by disrupting microbial DNA and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Topical metronidazole reduces inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in skin conditions by disrupting microbial DNA and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Used for Rosacea, Bacterial vaginosis (topical formulation), Anaerobic bacterial skin infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | Topical metronidazole |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Rozex 0.75% |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto |
| Drug class | Nitroimidazole antimicrobial |
| Target | Bacterial DNA (via nitroimidazole reduction) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial that penetrates bacterial and protozoal cells, causing DNA strand breakage and cell death. When applied topically, it also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing neutrophil migration and reducing production of inflammatory mediators, making it particularly effective for conditions like rosacea and bacterial vaginosis where both microbial and inflammatory components are present.
Approved indications
- Rosacea
- Bacterial vaginosis (topical formulation)
- Anaerobic bacterial skin infections
- Inflammatory acne
Common side effects
- Local irritation or burning
- Dryness or peeling
- Metallic taste (if absorbed systemically)
- Contact dermatitis
Key clinical trials
- Pharmacokinetics of Transdermal Metronidazole (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of ZKARE® Gel and Its Accessory ZKAPI® in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcers. (NA)
- Metronidazole 2% Gel Versus Clindamycin 1% Gel for Moderate Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- Topical Metronidazole vs Control in Reducing Periodontal Pockets in a Split Mouth Clinical Trial (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of the Efficacy and Tolerance of Two Cosmetic Products in Subjects With Rosacea (NA)
- Medical Versus Surgical Treatment for Peritonsillar Abscesses (NA)
- Serial Endoscopic Surveillance & Direct Topical Antibiotics to Define the Role of Microbes in Anastomotic Healing (PHASE2)
- 3Mixtatin Versus Modified 3Mix-MP in Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair for Treatment of Necrotic Primary Molars (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Topical metronidazole CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Topical metronidazole updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Toronto portfolio CI