Key takeaways
- Metronidazole is a prescription medication that comes in topical gel, cream, and lotion forms for treating rosacea bumps, pimples, and inflammation. You cannot buy it over the counter.
- To get a metronidazole prescription, you can schedule an in-person or virtual visit with a doctor or healthcare professional, or use an online care service like Optum Perks.
- If metronidazole isn’t the right option for you, a healthcare professional may prescribe other rosacea medications like brimonidine gel (Mirvaso), azelaic acid (Finacea), or oral doxycycline (Oracea).
Overview
Metronidazole is a generic medication that comes in several different forms. A doctor may prescribe the topical gel, cream, or lotion form of metronidazole to treat certain symptoms of rosacea, such as bumps, pimples, and inflammation.
Other forms of metronidazole treat certain types of infections caused by bacteria or parasites.
You’ll need a prescription for metronidazole from a doctor or healthcare professional, as you cannot buy it OTC. To get a prescription for metronidazole, you have several options. You can:
- schedule an in-person visit with a doctor or healthcare professional
- schedule a virtual visit with a healthcare professional if they offer this type of service
- use an online care service if you need a prescription for metronidazole to help treat rosacea
- use an online care service if you already have a prescription for metronidazole and need a refill
Need a diagnosis or prescription for rosacea? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
Can you get metronidazole online?
You can’t buy metronidazole online without a prescription. However, if you need metronidazole for rosacea, you may be able to get a prescription through an online care service, like the one offered by Optum Perks.
If your rosacea symptoms aren’t serious and your health is generally good, an online care service can be a convenient way to get the care you need. This can be especially helpful after hours or on weekends, when your doctor may not be available. Online health services are usually available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you already have a metronidazole prescription and simply need a refill, an online health service may be an option. This is helpful if you need the medication as soon as possible.
Note: If your symptoms are more severe or concerning, it’s recommended that you see a doctor or healthcare professional in person.
How do you get a metronidazole prescription from an online care service?
If you need a metronidazole prescription for rosacea, you can consult a healthcare professional through an online care service. You don’t need to schedule an appointment for this type of care.
Getting a treatment plan for rosacea through an online care service like Optum Perks typically involves the following steps:
- Create an online account: You’ll set up a secure, password-protected account.
- Answer a series of questions: You’ll fill out online forms that ask questions about your health, rosacea symptoms, and other medications you may be taking.
- Get a diagnosis and treatment plan: A board certified healthcare professional will review the information you provide. They may follow up with you if they need more details about your condition. Once they’ve reviewed your information, they’ll create a rosacea treatment plan for you. This could include a prescription for metronidazole or another drug that may work well for you.
- Get your medication: If your treatment plan includes a prescription for metronidazole or another drug appropriate for your symptoms, you can pick it up at a pharmacy of your choice. You may also be able to have the prescription sent to your home.
Can you get metronidazole over the counter?
No, you cannot get metronidazole over the counter (OTC). You need a prescription from a doctor or healthcare professional for this medication.
Like many drugs, metronidazole can have side effects and may not be safe for everyone. Some forms of metronidazole have a boxed warning, which is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It’s important for a healthcare professional to review your symptoms, overall health, and other medications. By reviewing this information, they can ensure that your treatment plan is safe and effective.
If metronidazole isn’t the best or safest option for you, they may prescribe a different drug that helps treat your rosacea symptoms. Other medications prescribed for rosacea include:
- brimonidine gel (Mirvaso)
- oxymetazoline cream (Rhofade)
- azelaic acid (Finacea)
- oral doxycycline (Oracea)
- topical ivermectin (Soolantra)
What else is metronidazole prescribed for?
Metronidazole comes in several different forms. The topical gel, cream, and lotion, which you apply to affected areas of your skin, are prescribed for rosacea bumps and pimples. But metronidazole is also available in other forms, including:
- an oral tablet
- an oral capsule
- vaginal gel
- solution for injection
Doctors typically prescribe these forms to treat certain infections caused by bacteria or parasites, such as:
- bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection)
- gastrointestinal infections caused by certain parasites
If you’ve already received a diagnosis for one of these conditions and need a refill of your metronidazole prescription, an online health service may be suitable.
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Metronidazole is not available over the counter. It’s only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional. If you’re interested in getting metronidazole, consider the following:
- Looking into the diagnostic requirements to get a prescription
- Making an in-person appointment with a healthcare professional
- Using an online care service to get a prescription
- Looking into your insurance coverage to ensure metronidazole will be covered
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