Evaluation of topical metronidazole gel in acne rosacea.

Topical metronidazole gel (0.75%) was compared to placebo gel in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face clinical trial for the treatment of 59 patients with acne rosacea. Statistically significant differences in inflammatory lesions, erythema, and global assessments were seen at three, six, and nine weeks post-baseline in favor of the active treatment side. It did not, however, alter the telangiectatic component of the disease. No known drug-related side effects were detected, and the low topical dose along with low serum levels of metronidazole indicate a high safety profile for this therapeutic agent. This work suggests that metronidazole gel, as specifically formulated, is safe and effective in reducing the symptomatology of acne rosacea.