Metronidazole Vaginal Gel – A Complete Guide

Metronidazole vaginal gel is used to treat bacterial vaginosis (infection of the vagina) caused by certain bacteria. By applying the gel directly into the vagina, metronidazole can kill the bacteria at the site of the infection. However, It is not suitable for all types of vaginal infections.

• Do not use Metronidazole vaginal gel if you have an allergy to any medicine containing metronidazole.
  • Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body
    • rash, itching, or hives on the skin
    • shortness of breath
    • wheezing or difficulty breathing.

• Do not give this medicine to a child under the age of 12 years.

• Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other foods, preservatives, medicines, or dyes.

• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
  • a disease of the blood, liver,
  • kidneys or central nervous system
  • Cockayne syndrome also called Neill-Dingwall syndrome.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Tell your doctor if you have, or think you may have vaginal thrush or candidiasis.

• The symptoms of vaginal thrush may become more noticeable when you use the gel and you may need another treatment from your doctor for this.

• Tell your doctor if you are:
  • having your period or are about to start your period
  • you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) in the past 2 weeks. If Zidoval and disulfiram are taken close together, serious unwanted effects may occur.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your supermarket, pharmacy, or health food shop.

• Some medicines and the metronidazole vaginal gel may interfere with each other. These include:
  • medicine to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
  • lithium
  • cyclosporin
  • 5-fluorouracil
  • carmustine (BCNU) or
  • cyclophosphamide.

Things you must do

• If you are about to start any new medicine remind your doctor that you are using the metronidazole vaginal gel.

• If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using this medicine.

• As with all vaginal infections, avoid sexual intercourse during the infection and whilst you are using metronidazole vaginal gel.

• If you become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

• If you are about to have any blood tests tell your doctor.

Things you must not do

• Do not use the metronidazole vaginal gel to treat any other problems you have.

• Do not give your medicine to anyone else.

• Do not stop using your medicine or change the dose without checking with your doctor.

• This medicine is for vaginal use only.

• The gel contains ingredients that may cause burning and irritation of the eye. So make sure to wash your hands after using the medicine.

Use Zidoval at bedtime.

Vaginal medicines can leak out of the vagina during treatment so using the gel at bedtime will help reduce leakage. Wear a sanitary napkin or panty liner during treatment to help keep the medicine from getting on your clothing. Do not use tampons as they may soak up the medicine and stop you from getting the full dose.

Apply the gel for 5 days in a row or for as long as your doctor tells you. This helps to prevent reinfection.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• abnormal vaginal discharge
• itching, burning, or swelling in or around the vagina
• a feeling of increased pressure in the pelvic area
• stomach cramp or pain
• feeling sick or vomiting
• unusual taste
• diarrhea (loose stools)
• reduced appetite
• stomach bloating (gas)
• feeling thirsty, dry mouth
• headache
• dizziness
• feeling depressed
• skin itch or rash
• feeling tired
• darkened urine.

Each 5 g of Zidoval Vaginal Gel contains 37.5 mg of metronidazole as the active ingredient.

Other ingredients: methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, carbomer 974P, propylene glycol, disodium edetate, sodium hydroxide, purified water.

Metronidazole vaginal gel can take 5 days to work for bacterial vaginosis. You can see the symptoms

Yes, metronidazole vaginal gel might cause a white clumpy discharge for some people during and after treatment. This is completely normal and is a side effect of using this medicine.

No, you shouldn’t pee immediately after applying the metronidazole vaginal gel. That’s why it is recommended to use the gel at bedtime.

It can take about 1 hour for the gel to be absorbed into the vagina, so you might have to wait that long to pee or you can just use the gel at bedtime to avoid peeing.

It can take 5 days to work.

No, you shouldn’t use metronidazole vaginal gel and alcohol together because it can cause serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, and flushing of the face. You should avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole gel and for at least 3 days after your last dose.