Zidoval Vaginal Gel

Zidoval (Metronidazole) BV Gel

Zidoval gel works by killing the bacteria in your vagina that causes bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is an antibiotic medicine containing Metronidazole, used for treating bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Use the applicator that comes with the medication to apply it directly into your vagina, once daily, before getting to bed, for five days.

Gels such as this are only available on prescription through a doctor or prescriber, and cannot be bought over the counter.

Patients are advised and recommended to complete the full course of antibiotics for 5 days otherwise the risk of recurrence increases

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is also referred to as Gardnerella vaginalis.

• Occurs as a result of changes in natural flora (bacteria) inside the vagina.
• It is one of the most common infections in women.
• A BV infection can also cause unusual vaginal discharge; while it is NOT a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can increase your chances of contracting one.

BV is usually characterised by an unusual discharge that smells strongly of fish, particularly if it occurs after sex. Your discharge may change in colour and consistency, such as becoming thin and watery, or greyish/white.

About half of women with bacterial vaginosis don't show any symptoms and it does not usually cause itching or soreness.

Women between the ages of 19 and 60 are most commonly affected by BV. It is common to confuse BV with thrush, but there are significant differences; thrush tends not to have a strong scent and the discharge is usually creamy, thick, and white. It is worth noting that you can have thrush and BV infections at the same time.

A typical treatment for BV is a course of oral antibiotics for a week (Metronidazole 400mg tablets) or a topical antibiotic gel such as Zidoval which is applied inside the vaginal canal.

At present, BV cannot be cured by over-the-counter medicines or homeopathic remedies.

How Does Zidoval BV Gel Work?

Zidoval gel contains Metronidazole, which is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections, not just BV. As metronidazole gets into bacteria cells, it interacts with the DNA inside them, preventing multiple copies of the DNA from being made; by eliminating the DNA in this way, it can kill the bacteria that is causing the problem.

This antibiotic is used to kill bacteria that can grow without oxygen (anaerobic bacteria).

Despite its ability to work against parasitic infections, metronidazole cannot treat viral infections since it is an antibiotic.

Metronidazole gel (Zidoval) must be used every day for the length of the course (5 days) in order to achieve the best results. The chances of the infection returning are greater if you stop before the course is over, even if your symptoms disappear.

How to use Zidoval (Metronidazole) gel

Metronidazole gel treatment packs come with 5 tubes of metronidazole gel and 5 disposable plastic applicators. In total, this is one complete course of treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

It is recommended that the metronidazole gel be applied only to the vaginal area, with the applicator provided.

Each tube of the gel should be inserted into the vagina once a day for five consecutive days. The gel should be used at night before going to bed.

The following instructions are for how to use Metronidazole gel, unless a medical professional instructs you otherwise:

• You should wash your hands before and immediately after inserting the gel
• Open a tube of metronidazole gel and remove the cap
• Connect one of the disposable applicator tips to the top of the tube and gently squeeze the tube until the applicator fills with gel (you will be able to tell when the applicator is full because the plunger of the applicator will stop moving).
• In order to empty the gel from the applicator, unscrew the applicator from the tube and insert it as far as feels comfortable into the vagina. Push on the plunger of the applicator to empty the gel
• Remove the applicator and dispose of the empty tube and used applicator safely

Follow this procedure for the entire 5 days, regardless of whether the infection has cleared up.

Can I Use Zidoval Gel During My Period?

Regardless of whether you are on your period or not, you should apply metronidazole BV gel for the entire course as prescribed by your doctor or prescriber.

While using Zidoval, however, it is advised not to use tampons and instead to use unscented sanitary pads.

Can I Drink Alcohol With Metronidazole?

You can become extremely sick and dizzy if you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole or using metronidazole gel. You might also vomit a lot if you consume alcohol while using metronidazole.

Zidoval vaginal gel is less likely to cause this reaction than metronidazole tablets, however you should still avoid alcohol during your course and for up to 48 hours afterward.

Zidoval Gel Side Effects

Although all medicines can cause side effects, not everyone will experience them in the same way. Zidoval vaginal gel can cause the following side effects:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Stomach Cramps
• Nausea
• Vaginal Thrush
• Vaginal Discharge
• Pelvinc Discomfort
• Loss of Appetite
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Unusual feeling on your tongue

These side effects may affect around 1 in 10 people. Less common side effects, which may affect around 1 in 100 people, include:

• Depression
• Tiredness
• Feeling Irritable
• Dry Mouth (Xerastomia)
• Itchy Skin
• Muscle Cramps
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Feeling Bloated
• Darkened Urine
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Swelling of your vulva

Zidoval Gel Warnings

Before using Zidoval gel, you should also speak to a medical professional if:

• You have or are on your period
• You are taking a blood test
• You have had blood problems
• You think you might have vaginal thrush

When you have a vaginal infection, it is best to avoid sexual activity and sexual intercourse until the infection clears up completely and while you are using Zidoval gel.

Zidoval Gel Drug Interactions

The effects of Zidoval gel may be enhanced or changed if you are on, or have recently taken, any of the following medications. Talk to your pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Warfarin
• Cyclosporin
• 5-Fluorouracil
• Lithium
• Medicine for the treatment of cancer

Zidoval gel should not be used in conjunction with alcohol, since the combination may cause nausea, confusion, headaches or heart palpitations. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot obtain this treatment from Access Doctor.

Can I use Zidoval gel during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should only use Zidoval gel under specialist supervision.

Please be aware that Zidoval gel cannot be purchased from Access Doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Documentation