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| Strength | Quantity | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75% | 1 x 40g tube | £26.99 |  |
Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 20/04/2021
Zidoval gel is an antibiotic gel used to treat an infection of the vagina called bacterial vaginosis (or BV for short). The gel is applied directly into the vagina where it starts to work right away.
Zidoval gel is applied directly to the site of the infection, inside the vagina. It works by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection.
Zidoval gel will start to work right away, and you can expect your symptoms to improve within a few days of beginning treatment. Bacterial vaginosis will usually clear up completely within 5–7 days.
| Dose |
Once applicator full, applied inside the vagina, once each night before bed |
| Type of Medicine |
Nitroimidazole antimicrobial |
| Mechanism |
Raidly taken up by bacterial cells, where it is metabolised into poisonous materials that affect bacterial processes, killing the bacteria |
| Available Size |
40g tube |
| Available Strengths |
0.75% |
| Active Ingredient |
Metronidazole |
| Price |
From £26.99 per tube |
| Side Effects |
Can include lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, thrush, vaginal discharge, abdominal cramps, pelvic pain |
The active ingredient in Zidoval gel is 0.75% metronidazole.
The inactive ingredients are carbopol 974P, disodium edetate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), propylene glycol (E1520), sodium hydroxide (E524) and purified water.
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate are 2 ingredients present in this gel which may cause allergic reactions. This may possibly be a delayed reaction. It also contains propylene glycol which may cause local skin irritation where applied. Get immediate medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/lips, and dizziness.
Zidoval gel is inserted inside the vagina once a day at night time using one of the disposable applicators provided. Before starting, wash and dry your hands. Some brands will have prefilled applicators ready for use, while others come as a tube of gel that you measure into the applicator. Read over the instructions given with the gel and use as directed. When you're ready, get into a comfortable position and insert the applicator into the vagina. Press down on the plunger until it stops then carefully slide the applicator back out. Always use the medicine for the time period prescribed, even if your symptoms are better, to make sure the infection is treated properly.
Always use Zidoval gel for the length of time your doctor has prescribed otherwise the infection may return, even if your symptoms clear up before this. For treating bacterial vaginosis the treatment time is usually five days.
Zidoval gel used for treating BV should ideally be inserted at night time before you go to bed for maximal effectiveness.
Like all medications, Zidoval metronidazole gel can cause side effects. If you get any side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist, this includes side effects not listed here.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1/10 people) include:
Less common side effects (may affect up to 1/100 people) include:
If you experience nausea then stick to small, simple meals and avoid foods that are rich or spicy. Drink plenty of water in small amounts especially if you vomit or get diarrhoea. If it lasts for more than 24 hours then consult your doctor. Eating plain foods and drinking water can help to ease a metallic taste in your mouth.
You should avoid using other types of medicines that are used inside of the vagina while you are using Zidoval gel. The treatment is unlikely to interact with any other medicines but there is a possibility it may affect:
Speak to your prescriber if you are taking any regular medications.
Consult your doctor before using Zidoval if you are pregnant as it may not be suitable.
You should not drink alcohol while using Zidoval as it can cause adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and confusion. After finishing your treatment you should wait 2 days before drinking alcohol.
Do not use Zidoval gel if you are allergic to:
Consult your doctor if you:
Zidoval gel is associated with a change in vaginal bleeding in up to 1 in 100 women, however, this should settle once treatment has been completed. If you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding after treatment, this may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. You can get tested at a local sexual health clinic or by using one of our discreet at home testing kits. If you continue to have unusual vaginal bleeding, you should speak to your doctor.
Burning or irritation of the vagina is a possible side effect when using Zidoval gel. However, the majority of women don't experience side effects with Zidoval gel.
It's not recommended to use Zidoval while you are on your period and you shouldn't wear a tampon during Zidoval treatment as it can soak up the gel, stopping it from being absorbed by the vagina. You can wear a sanitary pad for comfort as you may experience a slight leakage while you are using the gel. If you have troublesome symptoms of BV during your period, it may be best to wait until you are no longer bleeding to commence treatment. Speak to your doctor if this is the case.
Zidoval gel is primarily used to treat bacterial vaginosis, however, metronidazole gel is also used to treat skin infections and a skin condition called rosacea.
Zidoval gel contains metronidazole which is also available in the form of oral tablets. Both options are effective at treating bacterial vaginosis so which option you choose mainly depends on your personal preference. The tablets tend to produce more side effects such as nausea and interfere with other medications such as warfarin. Oral tablets also tend to produce a more severe reaction when mixed with alcohol. Zidoval gel does not cause as many side effects, however, some people are uncomfortable with the idea of vaginal application.
You should avoid sex while you have symptoms of any vaginal infection, and while you are using Zidoval gel. Sexual intercourse can hinder the ability of Zidoval to remove the bacteria causing infection. In addition, ingredients in Zidoval gel may cause condoms to break, potentially placing you at risk of pregnancy. It’s best to wait until you have completed your treatment, and your symptoms have resolved before having sex.
Zidoval is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria causing the infection.
Zidoval is suitable for sensitive skin and in fact a similar product is often used to treat skin conditions like rosacea. If you have an allergy to Zidoval, you should not use it. If you develop signs of skin irritation while using Zidoval, speak to your doctor for alternatives.
Thrush is a side effect of Zidoval gel. Common symptoms of thrush include itching, redness and a white cottage cheese-like discharge from the vagina. Ask your pharmacist for advice on an appropriate treatment, Zidoval gel will not treat thrush.
It is normal for some of the Zidoval gel to leak out of the vagina during treatment. It's recommended to wear a light sanitary pad while you are using Zidoval.
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