Composition and release form
Metronidazole is an antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent that has a wide spectrum of action.
This is the first drug from the group of nitroimidazoles, it was discovered and synthesized in France and was produced under the trade name “Flagyl”. It was then licensed and produced by Pfizer in the USA. After the patent expired, many generics appeared, among which are Metrogyl, Klion, Trichopolum and others. This distribution is due to the high efficiency of this product.
Now this drug, as a medicine, is available in several forms:
- Dental gel (Metrogil);
- Gel for external use (Metrogil, Rozamet);
- Injection solution (solution for infusion);
- Vaginal gel (Metrogil);
- Tablets (Trichopol);
- Candles (Klion-D).
The main active ingredient is Metronidazole , the molecule of which, when interacting with a bacterium, disrupts its DNA structure, which leads to its death.
How does metronidazole work?
The main principle of action of this antimicrobial agent is that it disrupts the intracellular transport of bacterial protein and inhibits DNA synthesis of the microorganism cell. Metronidazole is also integrated into the respiratory chain of protozoa, which disrupts the respiratory processes in the cell, and the microorganism dies. Such a complex effect on the bacterium leads to disruption of its structure and subsequent death. It destroys all bacteria and microorganisms that are sensitive to it and that cause inflammation, including ulcers and pimples.
This remedy is active against:
- Pathogenic microbes and bacteria;
- Protozoan microorganisms;
- And even parasites such as ticks.
Which can cause inflammation on the skin and the appearance of papules, pustules, boils and, of course, our “favorite” acne and blackheads.
Metronidazole for acne treatment
Metronidazole has the following proven effects when used externally:
- Has an antiseptic effect;
- Destroys pathogenic flora;
- Reduces or eliminates inflammation;
- Has a drying effect;
- Accelerates wound healing.
For acne on the face, this drug should be taken orally only after being prescribed by your doctor. Only a doctor, based on the results of laboratory tests and a general examination, can decide on its use in the fight against inflammation of the skin.
Since uncontrolled use can seriously affect the general condition of the body.
It is safer to use Metronidazole topically, as a component of a mash or as part of Metrogyl gel. If you don’t want or can’t go to the doctor, then I recommend starting treatment with a gel or mash.
Operating principle
Metronidazole is an antibacterial agent that has a detrimental effect on microbes. Due to this property, the drug is actively used for the treatment of inflammatory phenomena. With periodic use, the rashes disappear for a long time.
Metronidazole is produced in the form of tablets, gel and ointment. The tableted drug for acne is used only for medical prescription. Tablets are the basis for medicinal masks and mixtures that are applied for acne.
The product has the following effects when used:
- stops inflammatory processes;
- eliminates acne on the skin;
- cleans the skin layers and disinfects them.
Metronidazole is also a powerful trichomonacid drug. Active components destroy pathogenic cells and kill microorganisms. The drug smoothes the epidermis and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. It is highly efficient and easy to use.
Metronidazole in gel form is most often used to treat skin problems. The drug quickly eliminates acne, cleanses the skin and restores the skin. Metronidazole ointment and gel are used externally, applying it to inflamed areas.
The tablets are intended for internal use. They kill bacteria and eliminate inflammation from the inside.
Acne is difficult to cure. Acne is an inflammatory process in the skin's sebaceous glands, as a result of which they stop working normally. Acne can appear not only on the face. They often appear on the back, shoulders and chest. Acne looks like pink pustules that mainly bother people during adolescence and young adulthood during puberty.
In adult patients, acne appears for the following reasons:
- hormonal imbalances;
- poor condition of the epidermis;
- stressful conditions;
- infections;
- excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands, their blockage;
- heredity.
Metronidazole will help eliminate the main causes of acne. For acne, the drug is used in complex therapy, as well as as a full-fledged medicine. After using the product, pimples begin to dry out and gradually disappear. The skin becomes clean and without pustules. Masks and medicinal lotions are made from Metronidazole at home.
Side effects
When using the drug, certain negative reactions may occur, in particular:
Immediate allergic reactions , namely: urticaria, anaphylactic shock, skin rashes, and skin hyperemia. They can occur both with long-term local use and when administered orally in the form of tablets.
Digestive system problems : diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth and pancreatitis (only when taken orally as tablets or infusions).
Stomatitis, candidiasis (when taken orally in tablet form).
Also, during treatment, you should avoid alcoholic beverages, since taking them together can cause a significant impact on your well-being and health in general (applies only to systemic action, when taken in the form of tablets or infusions).
Using Metronidazole for acne
Basically, this remedy is prescribed for the treatment of diseases occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, in particular those caused by Helicobacter pilori and anaerobic flora, which is resistant to many antibiotics, and some sexually transmitted infections. The use of Metronidazole to treat skin problems involves not only eliminating the problem in your intestines, but also in the tissues of the body. This substance has high bioavailability and penetrates into all fluids and tissues of the body. This should be remembered, especially for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The attending physician may prescribe a course that seems very short to you; this is done so that you can be sure of the effectiveness of the drug for you and see possible side effects. Also, if necessary, adjust the treatment program or discontinue the drug altogether. And if the drug is chosen correctly, and the cause of acne is a problem from the inside, then you will see the effect of the tablets on your skin within the first week.
Masks
Masks with metronidazole are an excellent remedy for acne on the face, which can remove inflammation in a few days and speed up the healing of your skin.
It should be noted that you should apply a mixture with this drug as a mask only if you have a large number of inflammations and acne per square centimeter of skin. This happens with acne or complications of rosacea and demodicosis. In the case of single pimples, it is necessary to apply the product pointwise.
Application of ointment
The ointment form of Metronidazole is used externally. It is applied to problem areas of the skin 2-3 times a day. It is better to use the ointment in the morning and evening after washing. There is no need to rub the drug in. It is quickly absorbed, does not cause discomfort, and does not leave marks on clothes. Before applying, the skin should be wiped dry.
The first results are noticeable after two weeks of use. Inflammation becomes less, pimples dry out and disappear from the surface of the skin. The functioning of the sebaceous glands returns to normal, and acne no longer bothers the person.
Cost of the drug
One of the big advantages of the drug over other similar antimicrobial agents is its relatively low price. The average cost for a box with two Russian-made blisters ranges from 30 to 80 rubles , and you can purchase it at any pharmacy, since this product is on the list of vital medications.
To summarize, I would like to note that metronidazole is not a cure for inflammation; you need to look for the cause of inflammation, and not fight the effect. Get tested for hormonal levels, pay attention to the quality and quantity of the foods you eat. In all cases, the appearance of profuse rashes on the skin signals that something is wrong in the body.
Analogs
Among the analogues of Metronidazole in terms of action, several antibacterial drugs can be distinguished, which are also effective in the treatment of pimples and acne.
Levomycetin
One of them is the antibiotic Levomycetin. Having a wide spectrum of action, this drug quickly and effectively fights inflammation. You can prepare, as in the case of Metronidazole, mash and masks. Levomycetin can also be applied in the form of ready-made preparations: liniment of Syntomycin, Levomekol or Levosin.
Price from 60 rubles to 150.
Levomycetin tablets
Tetracycline
The next analogue is Tetracycline . Also a broad-spectrum antibiotic. We recommend paying attention to tetracycline ointment for both ophthalmic and external use.
Price from 25 rubles to 100 rubles.
Tetracycline tablets
Doxycycline
Doxycycline , similar in structure and action to tetracycline. Available in the form of capsules, tablets and solutab tablets, which quickly dissolve in water.
Price from 40 rubles to 500.
Doxycycline capsules
Use of tablets
Metronidazole tablets act as an antibiotic that relieves inflammation. It is not recommended to use it without a doctor's prescription.
The average daily dose of Metronidazole is 500 mg, which should be divided into two doses. Swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water. The product in solid form is a raw material for the manufacture of lotions and masks. They are applied to inflamed skin, thus eliminating acne.
Metronidazole has shown effectiveness in the complex treatment of mixed infection. The therapeutic course is 5-10 days, but must be determined by a doctor. The treatment regimen depends on the severity of the disease.
There are several types of acne:
- first degree - acne forms only on the face;
- second degree - there are open and closed ulcers;
- third degree - acne appears on the face, chest and back;
- fourth and fifth – as a result of hormonal imbalance, a large number of ulcers have formed, acne is localized over the entire surface of the body.
Metronidazole is suitable for treating any degree of rash. The drug effectively affects the skin against various skin infections and eliminates acne. After two to three months, the course of treatment can be repeated if necessary.
