Zidoval | Metronidazole Gel

Metronidazole, the active ingredient in Zidoval, is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections, including bacterial vaginosis. To eliminate the infection-causing bacteria, the gel is applied directly inside the vagina.

  • 1 x 40g tube £22.50
  • 2 x 40g tube £38.50
  • 3 x 40g tube £56.50



What exactly is Zidoval?
Zidoval is a gel that is used to treat bacterial vaginosis, a vaginal infection.

Bacterial vaginosis develops when the natural bacteria balance in your vagina is disturbed. While BV is not a sexually transmitted illness (STI), it does raise your chances of contracting one.

The most prevalent BV symptom is a change in vaginal discharge. Your vaginal discharge may cause:

have a distinct fishy odour, particularly after sex appear watery, weak, or grey
Half of women with bacterial overgrowth have no symptoms, and this does not necessitate therapy.

It may be difficult to determine whether you have thrush (a fungal infection) or BV. You may learn more about bacterial vaginosis by reading our guide.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic included in Zidoval gel. Metronidazole treats the infection directly to eliminate bacterial overgrowth.

Consult your doctor if you have BV and are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant. In most situations, BV does not cause pregnant issues, however there is a slight chance of complications such as premature birth.

How to Apply Zidoval
To use Zidoval, use an applicator to put a single 5g dose of gel into your vagina once a day. Only use the applicators provided with Zidoval gel in your vagina.

The typical course of treatment is 5 days. To give the drug time to work, apply the gel before going to bed.

Before and after using Zidoval gel, always wash your hands. Use a fresh applicator for each dose and discard any used applicators.

To make an applicator, first:

Remove the top from the gel tube and use the pointed end of the cap to pierce the sealed end of the tube. Screw the open end of the applicator onto the gel tube.
Fill the applicator by carefully squeezing the tube from the bottom; when the plunger reaches 5g, loosen the applicator from the tube and replace the lid on the gel tube.
For ease of application, lying down and bending your knees may be preferable.

Insert the applicator softly into your vagina as far as is comfortable and slowly push the plunger into the applicator until it stops.
Remove the applicator from your vagina and discard it.
Do not take a double dose of Zidoval if you forget to take one. Apply Zidoval at your usual dose schedule the next day.

Make sure you finish the 5-day course. This is necessary to guarantee that the infection has been entirely eradicated.

Avoid having sex if you have BV, especially if you are on Zidoval.

How does Zidoval function?
Zidoval works by rebalancing the microorganisms in your vagina.

Your vaginal health is naturally maintained by microorganisms. When this balance is upset, certain species of bacteria multiply faster than others.

Metronidazole, the active component, inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis.

When you apply Zidoval to your vagina, the antibiotic will directly treat the illness by destroying the overgrown bacteria.

How potent is Zidoval?
Zidoval is an effective treatment for the underlying cause of bacterial vaginosis. After a few days, you should notice an improvement in your symptoms. Even if you notice an improvement, you should complete the course to ensure that the infection is entirely eradicated.

Speak with your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after 5 days of Zidoval medication.

What are the Zidoval side effects?
When using Zidoval gel, you may suffer various negative effects. These normally go after a few hours.

The following are some of the most prevalent Zidoval side effects:

cramps in the stomach
being nauseous having a terrible taste in your mouth having a strange sensation on your tongue having dry or itchy skin
thrush in the cervix (candidiasis)
Discomfort around the pelvis caused by vaginal discharge
appetite suppression
If you are unable to handle the side effects, see your doctor or pharmacist before discontinuing therapy.

The following are uncommon Zidoval side effects:

constipation, diarrhoea, or nausea
irritated or depressed mood exhaustion difficulties sleeping a strange sensation in the fingers and toes
thirsty stomach or a dry mouth
urine that is dark
Infections of the urinary tract
vaginal edoema on the outside (vulva)
Changes in your menstrual cycle, such as bleeding between periods or discomfort when you have your period
Consult your doctor if you detect any of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. This can involve a burning sensation when peeing or the need to pee more frequently.

The patient information booklet has more information about Zidoval’s adverse effects.

Who can benefit from Zidoval?
Zidoval is appropriate for women above the age of 18 who have bacterial vaginosis symptoms.

You should not take Zidoval if you are allergic to any of the following:

metronidazole or any of the additional compounds identified in Zidoval nitroimidazole antibacterials parabens (a preservative)
You should consult your doctor before using Zidoval if you:

are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant are nursing are under the age of 18 or above the age of 65 have ever had any blood problems or an illness affecting your blood suspect you have vaginal thrush are presently on your period
You should also notify your doctor or nurse if you are taking Zidoval and having blood testing. Some blood test results may be affected by Zidoval.

You should only use Zidoval for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor.

Interactions between zidovals
Zidoval may interfere with other medications you are taking. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any additional medications, including over-the-counter medications.

The following medications may interact with Zidoval:

blood thinners used to treat the mental disorders, such as warfarin or acenocoumarol lithium
ciclosporin is an immunosuppressive medication.
5-fluorouracil is a drug that is used to treat skin issues and cancer.
Metronidazole and alcohol can interact. It is advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zidoval and for two days after the course is completed. Drinking alcohol while taking Zidoval might cause nausea, confusion, and a severe headache.

Alternative therapies
There are a few other options for treating bacterial vaginosis than Zidoval.

You might try metronidazole tablets, which are taken orally. Metronidazole pills are typically given twice daily for seven days.

My London Pharmacy can also provide Dalacin cream upon request. Clindamycin is an antibiotic found in Dalacin cream. If you are unable to take metronidazole, clindamycin may be an option for you.

If you have BV symptoms, you can attempt the following self-care tips to assist speed up recovery:

Wash your genitals with simply water and a soap-free solution if necessary, then pat dry and prevent rubbing.
Use of vaginal hygiene products such as deodorants, sprays, or douches should be avoided.
Wear loose-fitting pants or cotton underwear until the infection has cleaned up.

What should I do if I get BV again after taking Zidoval?
Some women report that BV recurs after treatment. If this happens to you, consult with your doctor. You may be able to continue using Zidoval or you may need to try an alternative treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

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