Metronidazole gel is an effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis. If you have bacterial vaginosis, you will need to use a vaginal gel like this to treat the infection.

What is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria and parasites. Metronidazole will only treat certain parasitic and bacterial infections. This antibiotic will not work for viral infections like the flu or the common cold. Metronidazole can come in a gel, tablet, cream, or liquid form, and can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Metronidazole can treat a range of infections, like:

• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• rosacea (skin condition)
• infected gums
• dental abscesses
• pelvic inflammatory disease

What is Zidoval?

Zidoval is a prescription only gel that contains metronidazole. Zidoval is usually used to treat bacterial vaginosis. The gel can be inserted into the vagina to fight bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. Zidoval is not suitable for all vaginal infections.

What is metronidazole gel used for?

Metronidazole gel can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. If you have bacterial vaginosis, you will need metronidazole vaginal gel to treat the condition. We also prescribe the gel that can be used for rosacea, but it is a different type of gel and you will need to complete a consultation for your skin, rather than for BV.

Metronidazole gel works by killing different kinds of bacteria which cause infections. Metronidazole gel is used to treat infections of the vagina (BV).

How long does it take for metronidazole gel to work?

Metronidazole gel provides quick relief from BV, and starts to clear up symptoms in 2 to 3 days. Even if your symptoms have cleared up, you must complete your entire course of treatment to make sure the infection is completely cleared. Otherwise, you may risk reinfection.

What dose does metronidazole gel come in?

Zidoval comes with 5 applicators, each which contains 5 grams of 7.5mg/g metronidazole gel. You use one full applicator (5 grams) of metronidazole gel every night before going to bed, for 5 days.

How do you know if metronidazole gel is working?

You will know that metronidazole gel is working if symptoms, such as a fishy smell or watery discharge, begin to clear up in 2 to 3 days. If you finish your full 5 day course and still have symptoms, then the treatment may not have been effective and you should speak to a doctor. You may need to try a different treatment.

How long can you use metronidazole gel?

Although metronidazole gel is usually prescribed for 5 days, in some cases, you may have to take more treatment for bacterial vaginosis symptoms to go. Your doctor will advise you on this, as they may prescribe a different kind of treatment to treat bacterial vaginosis.

How effective is metronidazole gel?

Metronidazole gel is one of the most effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis, and is effective for up to 91% of women. As long as you follow your doctors’ instructions and use the gel once a night for 5 nights, bacterial vaginosis symptoms should stop.

If you use metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis, you must do exactly as your doctor tells you. It is to be used in the vagina only. Instructions for use are as follows:

1. Wash hands well with soap and water before use
2. Remove the cap from the tube of gel.
3. Screw one of the disposable applicators to the tube (this applicator should screw onto the tube).
4. Carefully squeeze the tube of gel to fill up the applicator. When the plunger stops moving, this signals that the applicator is full.
5. Take off the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube.
6. Lie on your back, before parting and bending your knees
7. Place the applicator tip high in your vagina and begin pushing the plunger. This will release the gel.
8. Take out the applicator gently and make sure it is put in the bin straight away.

You should repeat these steps for 5 nights using a fresh applicator each time. If you use too much metronidazole gel, this can increase your risk of side effects. Make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you forget to use metronidazole gel one night, you must not take a double dose to make up for it. Simply apply the gel at your next bedtime. You must follow the full course of metronidazole gel through, as the infection may not go completely otherwise.

You can get metronidazole gel from your GP, walk-in centre, or online from a doctor.

Can I buy metronidazole gel online?

Yes. You can buy metronidazole gel online through a trusted seller like Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is quick, simple, and discreet:

1. Fill in a short questionnaire about your symptoms and general health.
2. Choose your preferred treatment and pay.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and confirm that the treatment is suitable.
4. Your treatment will be sent to you either the next day or standard delivery. You can choose to have your treatment delivered to your door, or to a Superdrug for collection.
5. If you have any questions, you can speak to a doctor via your account.

Your metronidazole gel will arrive in plain, discreet packaging and it will be a contactless delivery.

How much is metronidazole gel?

It is £22 for a 5 day course of Zidoval Gel.

Can you get metronidazole gel over the counter?

No. Metronidazole gel can only be prescribed by a doctor. You cannot get metronidazole gel over the counter from a pharmacy, without a prescription.

There are common, uncommon, and rare side effects that some women get from taking metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis.

What are the side effects of metronidazole gel?

Some of the common side effects of metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis include:

• headache and dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• dry skin
• itching of the skin (pruritus)
• skin irritation
• unpleasant taste in the mouth

Some of the uncommon side effects of metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis include:

• tiredness
• difficulty sleeping
• unusual feeling in your toes and fingers
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• depression
• dry mouth or feeling thirsty
• muscle cramps

Some of the rare side effects of metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis include:

• tingling, numbness, or burning in your hands or feet
• serious allergic reaction

Does metronidazole gel cause discharge?

Although it is a common side effect of metronidazole gel, treatment can cause thrush, which is a thick, white vaginal discharge which may or may not have an odour. This may go away soon after you have finished your full course of treatment, or you may need further treatment.

How long do side effects of metronidazole gel last?

The most common side effects of metronidazole gel will usually get better once you have completed treatment. If you have side effects that are affecting your daily life, it’s best to speak to a doctor.

What should I do if I get side effects?

If you get any common or uncommon side effects of metronidazole gel, they will normally go before or soon after treatment has ended. Should you still have symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. If you get serious side effects of metronidazole gel, you should go to your A&E.

While most adult women can take metronidazole gel, there are some conditions that can interact with treatment, like:

• allergy to metronidazole, parabens or other nitroimidazole antibiotics
• certain blood disorders
• thrush

There are some lifestyle choices which you may want to stop doing while taking metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis as they could reduce the effectiveness of the gel. These include:

• having sex
• using a tampon (they may soak up the medicine)

Metronidazole gel is not advised for children under 18 years of age and the elderly. This is because the gel’s safety in these groups has yet to be tested.

Can you take metronidazole gel when pregnant?

If you are pregnant or thinking of having a baby soon, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you take metronidazole gel. While metronidazole gel is thought to be safe to use while pregnant, it is only recommended if your doctor or pharmacist says so.

Can you take metronidazole gel while breastfeeding?

If you have been prescribed metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis, you should tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding.

Can you take metronidazole gel while on your period?

It is not advised to use metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis if you are on your period. When on your period, you should speak to your doctor about when to start treatment.

Medications that can interact with metronidazole gel

You should let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking, have recently taken, or plan to take other medicines during treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis can interact with certain medications, like:

• warfarin (used to prevent blood clotting)
• lithium (medicine to treat mental illness)
• 5-fluorouracil (medicine for skin problems and cancer treatment)
• Cyclosporin (a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases)

Can you drink alcohol when taking metronidazole gel?

If you drink alcohol while using metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis, this can make you feel or be sick. You may also get headaches, become confused, and your heartbeat may rise. You should not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole gel.

Can you take paracetamol with metronidazole gel?

You can take painkillers like paracetamol during metronidazole gel treatment. Although no interactions have been found between paracetamol and metronidazole gel, you should still speak to your doctor first before using.