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Metronidazole topical Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Metronidazole topical Metronidazole Clindamycin
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Metronidazole topical Metronidazole Clindamycin
Prescription only

Prescribed for Rosacea, Bacterial Vaginosis, Perioral Dermatitis, Balanoposthitis. Metronidazole topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is particularly effective at treating infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and parasites. Alcohol and products containing propylene glycol should... View more

Prescription only

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections or other serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in penicillin-allergic people. The risk of C... View more

More about Metronidazole topical More about Metronidazole More about Clindamycin
Ratings & Reviews

Metronidazole topical has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from a total of 345 ratings on Drugs.com. 55% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 23% reported a negative effect.

Metronidazole has an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 from a total of 2431 ratings on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 29% reported a negative effect.

Clindamycin has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 806 ratings on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 35% reported a negative effect.

View all 345 reviews

View all 2431 reviews

View all 806 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

View all Metronidazole topical side effects

View all Metronidazole side effects

View all Clindamycin side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 55 gram(s)
Strength 1%
Per unit* $1.69
Cost* $93.18

View all Metronidazole topical prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Strength 500 mg
Per unit* $2.69
Cost* $10.77

View all Metronidazole prices

Quantity 4 capsule
Strength 150 mg
Per unit* $2.84
Cost* $11.36

View all Clindamycin prices

Get free Discount Card

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Dosage Forms
  • Topical cream
  • Topical gel
  • Topical lotion
  • Vaginal gel
  • Vaginal gel with applicator
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet
  • Injectable solution
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
Brand Names
MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroGel-Vaginal, MetroLotion, Noritate, Nuvessa, Rosaclear, Rosadan, Vandazole View more Flagyl, Flagyl 375, Flagyl IV, Likmez, Metro, Metro IV Cleocin, Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin Phosphate, Cleocin Phosphate ADD-Vantage
Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

20 hours

3.4 hours
CSA Schedule 1 View glossary of CSA terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 8 drugs are known to interact with Metronidazole topical:

  • 1 major drug interactions (2 brand and generic names)
  • 7 moderate drug interactions (26 brand and generic names)

A total of 378 drugs are known to interact with Metronidazole:

  • 13 major drug interactions (36 brand and generic names)
  • 360 moderate drug interactions (1183 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (20 brand and generic names)

A total of 110 drugs are known to interact with Clindamycin:

  • 6 major drug interactions (15 brand and generic names)
  • 101 moderate drug interactions (384 brand and generic names)
  • 3 minor drug interactions (9 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during... View more
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

November 22, 1988

July 18, 1963

February 22, 1970
WADA Class View classifications

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient Resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

1 The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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