What is Metrogyl gel
This is a synthetic medicine that has a wide spectrum of antiprotozoal and antimicrobial effects. Metrogyl ointment contains the substance metronidazole, which has a detrimental effect on protozoan microorganisms and anaerobic infections. The medication is prescribed after testing and determining the causative agent of the pathology. There are several dosage forms of the drug:
- injection;
- gel;
- pills;
Compound
The main active component of Metrogil is metronidazole; it has properties to effectively combat a large number of pathogenic bacteria that develop and multiply during inflammatory processes on the skin and blockage of the sebaceous glands. The components of the drug penetrate the DNA of viruses and destroy the structure of cells from the inside. The auxiliary components of Metrogyl gel are:
- carbomer 940;
- purified water;
- sodium hydroxide;
- edetate disodium.
Composition and pharmacological action of Metrogyl gel
The main active ingredient in the drug is metronidazole. Additionally, it contains auxiliary connections.
Bulk-forming substances are:
- propylhydroxybenzoate;
- propylene glycol;
- carbomer-940;
- disodium edetate;
- sodium hydroxide;
- purified water.
The drug is a synthetic drug that has a wide spectrum of antiprotozoal and antimicrobial effects.
The scope of application of the medicinal composition is etiotropic therapy of diseases of infectious etiology, provoked by the activity of bacteria and unicellular protozoa. This is a non-hormonal drug, and therefore does not cause addiction with long-term treatment.
The active component of the gel is active against pathogenic anaerobic bacteria.
Metronidazole has high activity against:
- Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Gardnerella vaginalis.
- Giardia intestinalis.
- Entamoeba histolytica.
- Obligate anaerobes Bacteroides and
- Some gram-positive microorganisms.
The product is not an antibiotic although it has an antibacterial effect. Metronidazole is a bacteriostatic substance that has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and antioxidant effects.
The mechanism of action of Metrogyl is the reduction of the 5-nitro group of metronidazole by intracellular transport proteins of anaerobic microorganisms and protozoa. The reduced 5-nitro group of metronidazole interacts with the DNA of microbial cells, inhibiting the synthesis of their nucleic acids, which provokes their death.
The drug is practically not absorbed into the blood. After external use, background amounts of the drug are found in the blood serum. Metronidazole entering the body is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and placenta, enter various cells and breast milk.
With intravaginal use of the drug, absorption of metronidazole into the bloodstream is detected at a level of 56%. The maximum concentration is reached after 6-12 hours. 20% of the drug entering the blood is able to bind to plasma proteins.
Metabolism of metronidazole occurs in the liver, followed by excretion from the body in urine.
Pros
pros
- Convenient form of therapy
- High degree of effectiveness of the drug
- Almost complete absence of side effects and contraindications
- The sale of the medicine is carried out without a prescription from the attending physician.
Cons
Minuses
- High cost of medication
- Prohibited for use during pregnancy and lactation
- In some cases, it can cause side effects
- If the instructions for use are not followed, it may not give the expected therapeutic effect.
pharmachologic effect
Metrogyl gel against acne or in the treatment of vaginal pathologies has an antimicrobial effect. It is capable of killing parasites that develop without oxygen. The product can infect the following types of microbes:
- mobiluncus;
- eubacterium;
- clostridium;
- bacteroides;
- peptostreptococcus.
Metrogyl is effective against the following protozoa:
- Giardia intestinalis;
- Gardnerella vaginalis;
- Trichomonas vaginalis.
Metrogyl exhibits activity against pathogens at the cellular level, inhibiting the synthesis of nucleic acids in bacterial molecules. This mechanism of action helps the drug effectively resist infectious diseases. There is a gel for external use against acne and a vaginal version to combat urogenital pathologies. Metrogyl Denta was created for dental needs.
Description and effect of the drug
Metrogyl gel is produced (India), belongs to the group of local antimicrobial drugs. A tube of 30 g costs 210 rubles. The active substance of the drug is metronidazole, an antiprotozoal drug, a derivative of nitroimidazoles, included in the list of vital drugs.
1 g of the product contains 10 mg of metronidazole, as well as other substances - propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, carbomer-940.
In addition to this product, there are analogues on sale in the same dosage form. This is Metrogyl Denta (gel for gums), the cost is 240 rubles. Pharmacies also sell Metrogyl - vaginal gel (price -170 rubles) and Metrogyl Plus, vaginal gel (price 250 rubles). Only the last drug differs in its active composition, which additionally contains the antifungal component clotrimazole.
Metronidazole works according to this principle: it interacts with the DNA of bacterial cells, inhibiting the synthesis of nucleic acids. This leads to the death of bacteria. The drug acts in a similar way on protozoa. The ointment exhibits the greatest activity against the following microbes:
- Trichomonas;
- bacteroid;
- fusobacteria;
- some clostridia;
- peptococci
- peptostreptococci.
The medicine does not act on demodex mites, does not reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands, however, it has an anti-acne effect. The product also provides an antioxidant effect and reduces the rate of tissue damage in the area of inflammation.
Indications for use
When used externally, a doctor may prescribe Metrogyl cream for the treatment of infectious lesions of the skin surface, for example: seborrhea, difficult-to-heal wounds, eczema, acne. Metrogyl helps well against demodicosis (fighting subcutaneous mites). A drug may be prescribed for the treatment of hemorrhoids, bedsores, and fissures in the anus. In dentistry, it is used in the treatment of stomatitis, periodontal disease, periodontitis, alveolitis, chronic and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The vaginal form is prescribed for the treatment of urogenital trichomoniasis and vaginosis.
In gynecology
The ability of the drug to resist a wide range of protozoa (including gardnerella, trichomonas) and various bacteria is recognized by gynecologists. To fight diseases, the same ability is used to destroy the DNA of viral cells, which causes their death. Metrogyl in gynecology, due to its antiprotozoal and antibacterial effect, in the form of a gel is used in the treatment of:
- urogenital trichomoniasis;
- vulvovaginitis, which is caused by microorganisms sensitive to metronidazole.
For face
It is a gel with metronidazole for the face, a thick white mass, which is applied in small quantities to the skin. The affected area of the dermis and hands should be washed and dried before use. Dermatologists recommend using Metrogyl gel in the treatment of acne, demodicosis, trophic ulcers, seborrhea, and eczema. Apply the product in an even layer for 20-30 seconds, the gel is absorbed and then you can apply cosmetics on top (the product does not react).
Directions for use and dosage
The instructions for use of Metrogyl describe in detail all the features of using the drug, as well as its dosage for adults and adolescents. Before starting therapy, you should definitely consult with your doctor; he will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary dose to prevent infection and kill bacteria. The nuances of taking various dosage forms of an antimicrobial agent are described below.
Tablet dosage
According to the instructions, the pills are taken during meals, swallowed whole. As a rule, the dosage and duration of the treatment process is determined individually, in each individual case. An approximate scheme for using the medication in tablets looks like this:
- trichomoniasis: 1 tablet three times a day (course of therapy – a week);
- bacterial anaerobic infection: 1-2 pills, two to three doses per day (duration – 7 days);
- giardiasis: adults – 1 gram per day (divided into 2 doses), children over 13 years old – 400 mg per day for 2 doses (course of therapy – 5 days);
- vaginitis: take 400 mg twice a day for a week;
- amebiasis: drink 400 mg three times a day, children over 13 years old - 40 mg per day for 3 times (treatment - 8-10 days).
Metrogyl intravenously
When the infectious disease is severe or it is not possible to take a course of pills, the solution is administered intravenously. As a rule, adult patients and adolescents (from 12 years old) are given a dose of 500-1000 mg by drip. Then the dosage is 500 mg every 8 hours. After several successful droppers, a jet injection of the drug is performed. The maximum amount of solution per dose is 4000 mg. Duration of treatment is a week.
Metrogyl for external use
The medication in the form of a colorless or yellowish gel is applied to clean, dry skin in a thin layer. This procedure is carried out twice a day (morning and evening). The average duration of therapeutic procedures is from 3 to 4 months, but for each individual case this period is determined individually. If the treatment is carried out correctly, the gel gives positive results 3-4 weeks after the start of application.
Instructions for use
Metrogyl gel has several medicinal purposes, which implies different options for using the medication. When treating skin pathologies and vaginal use, there are different algorithms for applying the product. It is not recommended to treat gynecological pathologies without consulting a doctor. He will be able to accurately determine the duration of the course and dosage, based on the diagnosis.
Metrogyl vaginal gel
In the treatment of gynecological diseases, the drug is administered intravaginally. We recommend that the amount of gel should be inserted into the vagina using a special applicator. As a rule, the dosage is 5 g of the drug in the evening and in the morning. The standard course of therapy is 5-7 days. The duration may be longer depending on the type of pathogen and the severity of the pathology. During use, you must refrain from sexual intercourse. The application algorithm is as follows:
- Remove the applicator from the packaging and remove the cap from the tube.
- Place the applicator onto the neck of the tube.
- Hold the tube so that the applicator is facing up, press down on the contents so that the nozzle is completely filled.
- Unscrew the applicator and remove it from the tube, close it with the cap.
- Carefully insert the nozzle into the vagina, slowly press the plunger so that all the gel is inside.
- Remove the applicator, wipe it with medical alcohol, and store it clean until next use.
For external use
Apply Metrogyl gel only to the affected area of the skin, specifically on acne or pimples. To perform the procedure, you must thoroughly wash your hands and apply the product using your fingertips. It is necessary to smear acne, pimples, and the affected surface in the morning and evening. Instructions for use:
- Cleanse your skin with milk, gel, foam or mild soap.
- Wipe with alcohol-free lotion.
- Apply a thin layer of gel, rub in a little and leave to absorb completely.
How to use?
Using Metrogyl gel is very simple - you just need to lubricate the affected areas with a thin layer. It is important to cleanse the skin first. To do this, you can use regular soap or special detergents (they should not contain bactericidal substances or drying components), and then thoroughly dry the epidermis with a towel. It is best to apply the drug to skin that is free of oil and moisture.
Metrogyl gel is recommended to be used 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks. If necessary, the duration of therapy may be increased depending on the recommendations of the attending physician.
Instructions for use for the face
In order for Metrogyl to work, it is best to:
- Use it 30 minutes after washing.
- Conduct an allergy test in advance on a neutral area of the skin (for example, on the inner bend of the elbow). It is better to perform this procedure a day before the start of treatment in order to fully assess the safety of the medicine.
- Do not use lotions or other alcohol-containing products first.
- Treat the skin with reserve - within a radius of 1 cm from the affected area.
- Avoid the area around the eyes and lips.
If the drug does not provide any therapeutic effect within a week of use, it is worth discussing the need for its further use with your doctor. Most likely, the specialist will select some more effective medicine.
How to enhance the effect
The catalyst for the antimicrobial properties of the drug is sulfonamides. If you combine Phenytoin and Metrogyl gel, the expulsion of the second is accelerated, which reduces the concentration of metronidazole in the blood. Patients who have received increased doses of lithium-containing drugs for a long time should take into account that it is possible to increase the concentration of lithium in plasma when combined with Metrogyl. Combined use with other anti-acne agents will help increase effectiveness in the fight against acne.
Drug interactions
Clinical studies have confirmed that the interaction of the drug with other drugs is insignificant due to the low concentration of the drug in the blood. Mutual influence may be observed when taking the following medications simultaneously:
- Agents with an indirect anticoagulant effect. When used together with metronidazole, the prothrombin time will increase.
- Patients taking disulfiram are not prescribed metronidazole, because this provokes side effects from the nervous system.
- The risk of side effects increases when taken simultaneously with cimetidine, which increases plasma concentrations of metronidazole.
Contraindications and side effects
There are some factors that exclude the possibility of using the drug with metronidazole. Contraindications include the following:
- The gel cannot be prescribed to people who suffer from liver failure, epileptic seizures, leukopenia, or allergies to the components of the drug.
- The medication is prohibited in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
- Contraindicated for children under 12 years of age; dental use is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
- Alcohol is prohibited during treatment with Metrogyl gel.
As a rule, the medication is well tolerated by patients, and side effects are extremely rare. When applied externally, its concentration in the blood is insignificant. Negative sensations include the following manifestations:
- skin irritation at the application sites (swelling, redness, rarely itching, urticaria);
- peeling, feeling of tightness.
Contraindications
Vaginal gel "Metrogil" is prohibited from use in the following cases:
- with hypersensitivity to metronidazole or auxiliary components of the drug;
- if the patient has liver failure;
- for epilepsy and other severe disorders of the nervous system;
- for pathologies of the circulatory system.
It is strictly forbidden to use an antiprotozoal agent in the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, the drug is not prescribed during lactation. Breastfeeding should be interrupted during treatment with Metrogyl vaginal gel.
With extreme caution, the medication is used simultaneously with indirect anticoagulants. The active substance of the gel somewhat slows down the process of blood clotting.
