Zidoval Vaginal Gel for Bacterial Vaginosis: How to Use It
▶ In short — Zidoval gel
Zidoval is a prescription vaginal gel containing metronidazole 0.75%, used to treat bacterial vaginosis. You apply one full applicator inside the vagina each night for 5 nights. It delivers the antibiotic directly where it's needed. Avoid all alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after, and avoid tampons and intercourse during the course.
Part of the Access Doctor Bacterial Vaginosis guide. To compare Zidoval with tablets and Dalacin cream, see BV treatment options.
What Is Zidoval Vaginal Gel?
Zidoval is a prescription-only vaginal gel formulated to treat bacterial vaginosis. Its vaginal delivery system puts an optimal concentration of metronidazole right at the site of infection. A typical course is one full applicator every night before bed for 5 consecutive nights.
Not sure BV is what you have? BV typically causes a thin, greyish discharge with a fishy odour but not itching or soreness — read how BV differs from thrush first, or let a prescriber confirm.
Metronidazole — the Active Ingredient
Zidoval contains metronidazole 0.75%, a nitroimidazole antibiotic. It works by entering bacterial cells and disrupting their DNA, killing the anaerobic bacteria responsible for BV and letting the healthy, lactobacilli-dominant balance re-establish. It's the same drug as the metronidazole tablets used first-line for BV — just delivered locally as a gel.
No alcohol. Avoid all alcohol while using Zidoval and for at least 48 hours after the 5-night course. Metronidazole with alcohol triggers a disulfiram-like reaction — nausea, vomiting, flushing and palpitations.
How Fast It Works & Cure Rate
Zidoval gives relatively quick relief — many women notice the odour and discharge improving within 2 to 3 days. You must still complete the full 5-night course even if you feel better, to give the best chance of clearing the infection. A correctly completed course cures BV in the majority of women (around 70–80% at one month in studies).
5
nights — one applicator each
70–80%
cured at one month with the full course
2–3
days for symptoms to start improving
If symptoms persist after the full course, contact your prescriber — further assessment or an alternative such as Dalacin (clindamycin) cream may be appropriate.
Get Zidoval Gel Online
Complete a free confidential consultation reviewed by GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. Discreet next-day delivery, no GP appointment needed.
Order Zidoval Gel →How to Use Zidoval — the 5-Night Course
- Wash your hands. Use soap and water before handling the gel and applicator.
- Prepare the applicator. Remove the tube cap and screw on one disposable applicator.
- Fill the applicator. Gently squeeze the tube until the plunger stops moving.
- Insert and administer. Lie on your back with knees bent and slightly apart. Insert the applicator tip high into the vagina, then slowly push the plunger to release the gel.
- Dispose and repeat. Discard the applicator and repeat each night for 5 nights, using a fresh applicator each time.
During treatment: avoid tampons (they absorb the gel), avoid intercourse (the gel can weaken latex condoms), and don't use extra gel. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember — don't double up.
Possible Side Effects
Zidoval is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea and local irritation; less commonly fatigue or digestive upset. It can occasionally trigger thrush (a thick white discharge) — tell your prescriber if this happens. The full picture is in the metronidazole side effects guide.
Seek urgent care if you have severe abdominal pain, signs of a serious allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), or any neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling or visual changes.
How to Get Zidoval Online
Zidoval is prescription-only in the UK, but you don't need a GP appointment. Complete a short confidential online consultation; a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews it and, if Zidoval is appropriate, issues a prescription dispatched in discreet packaging — usually next working day.
Get assessed if you're pregnant or unsure. Access Doctor's online BV service is not for use in pregnancy. If your symptoms include itching, soreness, pelvic pain or fever, get a clinical assessment, as this may point to a different condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zidoval Vaginal Gel?
Zidoval is a prescription vaginal gel containing metronidazole 0.75%. It treats BV by clearing the anaerobic bacteria responsible for the infection. Applied nightly for 5 consecutive nights, it is a first-line, NICE-recommended treatment for BV.
How long does Zidoval take to work?
Most women notice improvement within 2–3 days. The full 5-night course must be completed even if symptoms resolve earlier, to give the best chance of cure and reduce recurrence.
How effective is Zidoval for BV?
A correctly completed course of vaginal metronidazole clears BV in the majority of women — cure rates of around 70–80% at one month in studies. BV commonly recurs (50–70% within a year), which does not mean the treatment failed.
Can I drink alcohol while using Zidoval?
No — avoid all alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after completing the 5-night course. Metronidazole combined with alcohol causes a disulfiram-like reaction with nausea, vomiting, flushing and palpitations.
Can I use tampons while using Zidoval?
No — tampons absorb the gel and reduce its effectiveness. Avoid tampons during treatment, and also avoid sexual intercourse during the 5-night course as the gel can weaken latex condoms.
Can I get Zidoval Vaginal Gel online?
Yes — Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. Complete a short confidential consultation reviewed by GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. If approved, Zidoval is dispatched for next-day delivery in discreet packaging.
References
- BASHH. UK National Guideline for the Management of Bacterial Vaginosis. 2023. bashh.org/guidelines
- NICE. Bacterial vaginosis: Clinical Knowledge Summary. 2023. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bacterial-vaginosis
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Zidoval 7.5mg/g vaginal gel: SmPC. 2023. medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6148
- Joint Formulary Committee. Metronidazole. British National Formulary. 2024. bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/metronidazole
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Zidoval is a prescription-only medicine — a medical consultation is required before it can be dispensed. If you are pregnant, or have itching, soreness, pelvic pain or fever, seek in-person assessment. In a medical emergency, call 999.