Topical metronidazole in the treatment of rosacea

One percent metronidazole in an emollient cream base was compared with 250 mg oral tetracycline taken twice daily for the treatment of seventy-five patients with rosacea. After eight weeks of treatment there was no statistically significant difference between the results of the two treatments. Tetracycline did have a more rapid onset of effect on papules and pustules. Both treatments were well tolerated.