Zidoval

Zidoval gel is used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It’s designed to fight off the bacteria causing the infection and help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. It comes in a gel form with an applicator, making it a simple, easy-to-use treatment for BV.

Zidoval contains the active ingredient metronidazole, an effective antibiotic that targets the bacteria causing BV. When Zidoval gel is applied it kills the bacteria inside the vagina, helping to eliminate the infection and relieve any symptoms you may be experiencing.

You should use one application of Zidoval vaginal gel (5g) inserted into the vagina once daily, at bedtime. You should use Zidoval for five consecutive days, or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

To use Zidoval, pierce the sealed end of the tube and then screw the open end of the applicator tightly onto the tube of gel. Squeeze the tube, filling the applicator with gel. Remove the applicator from the tube and gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Push the plunger to release the gel and dispose of the applicator.

You must not drink alcohol during your course of Zidoval treatment or for 48 hours afterwards.

We don’t recommend using this treatment during your period or having sexual intercourse during the infection or course of treatment.

If you forget to use Zidoval gel, do not take a double dose - just apply Zidoval gel at your next bedtime. It’s important to take the full course so your infection clears up completely.

The usual dose for Zidoval vaginal gel is one 5mg application a day for five days in a row.

When used correctly and a full course of treatment is finished, metronidazole gel is an effective treatment for clearing BV symptoms.

The time it takes for Zidoval gel to work can vary depending on individual factors and the severity of the infection, but your symptoms should improve within two or three days. It’s essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare professional, even if you think your BV has gone before completing it. This will ensure the infection is fully treated and minimise the chances of it coming back.

While Zidoval gel is generally well-tolerated, like any medicine it can potentially cause side effects. Common side effects can include vaginal irritation and itching, headaches, dizziness and stomach upsets. It may also cause a change to taste and a lack of appetite. These side effects are usually temporary and subside on their own.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet for full details on possible side effects.

If you experience any persistent or severe side effects, it’s important to stop using Zidoval gel and seek immediate medical attention.

If you are pregnant and think you have BV, please speak with your GP, midwife or local sexual health clinic for further advice as you may need additional testing before starting treatment.

You should avoid drinking any alcohol while using Zidoval and for at least 48 hours after completing the course of treatment, as when alcohol interacts with metronidazole it can make you feel very unwell.

As with all vaginal infections, you should avoid having sex and using a tampon while you’re using Zidoval. If you’re on your period, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about when to start treatment.

You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re allergic to metronidazole, as they might be able to prescribe alternative treatment.

Some conditions can interact with Zidoval gel, like thrush or blood disorders. Other medicines can also interact with it. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and if you’re taking, have taken or plan to take any other medicine before starting a course of treatment.

If you don’t want to use Zidoval or it’s not right for you, there are alternative treatments that can help. For example, metronidazole also comes in tablet form if you prefer to take it orally. Clindamycin is another antibiotic that works in a similar way to treat BV.

You can ask your regular GP for a prescription or complete our quick online questionnaire for convenient, fast BV treatment. One of our qualified clinicians will review everything and prescribe BV treatment for you if suitable. It can then be collected from your local Boots pharmacy or sent directly to your door in discreet packaging if you prefer.

Visit the Boots Online Doctor BV Treatment service.

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions for treating BV. Preventing an infection can be challenging, as it’s not always obvious why it starts and it can come back even after it clears. But there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting BV again by maintaining the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. This includes avoiding perfumed bath oils and hygiene products, douching, or wearing thongs and tight nylon tights.

Find out more about BV and how to prevent it.

BV, or bacterial vaginosis, is a common vaginal infection. It’s most likely to occur in women between the ages of 18 and 50 who are sexually active. BV is caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria present in the vagina. The vagina contains a delicate balance of different bacteria, but when that balance is disrupted and harmful bacteria overgrow, it can result in BV. It isn’t dangerous and many women have it without noticing. You only need treatment if you’re experiencing symptoms, such as a fishy smell or thin vaginal discharge.

Find out more about BV treatment options.

Yes, Zidoval gel contains the active ingredient metronidazole, which is an antibiotic belonging to the nitroimidazole class. Metronidazole works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria, including the harmful bacteria responsible for BV.

Zidoval contains the active ingredient metronidazole. Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics called nitroimidazoles, which can cause a severe reaction when combined with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while using Zidoval or for 48 hours after your treatment could cause you to feel very unwell with unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, headache, and rapid heartbeat.

For the full information of a medicine’s side effects and how to take or use it, it’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Zidoval gel is a commonly prescribed and trusted treatment option for BV. However, the suitability of gels may vary depending on individual factors and preferences. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment for you.

Find out more about BV treatments.

BV is considered cleared when the symptoms associated with the infection resolve, and the vaginal environment returns to a healthy balance. Signs that BV has cleared include the absence of abnormal discharge and the disappearance of unpleasant odour. You should make sure to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare professional to aid full clearance of the infection.

Unfortunately, recurrent BV is common. If your BV symptoms return quickly or regularly, we recommend that you speak to your GP. If you're experiencing any other symptoms, such as itching and soreness, this may indicate a different cause such as thrush or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In this case, you should see a doctor or nurse in person for an examination and/or STI testing to find out the cause.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of BV for more than two weeks, we wouldn’t advise leaving it without using treatment. BV can resolve on its own but may persist or worsen over time if left untreated. Seeking appropriate treatment, such as Zidoval gel, can help eliminate the infection.

Zidoval gel starts to work as soon as you use it and you should start to feel some relief from your symptoms after two or three days. Even if your symptoms have cleared after a few days, you should always complete the full course of treatment (usually five days) to make sure that the infection has been fully cleared.

You must inform us of any other medicines or health concerns you have when completing your online questionnaire. There are some medicines that may interact with Zidoval (metronidazole), potentially affecting its effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects.

Most episodes of bacterial vaginosis (BV) occur for no apparent reason and they cannot be prevented. The following are thought to help prevent some episodes of BV. The logic behind these tips is to try not to upset the normal balance of germs (bacteria) in the vagina:

• Do not add bath oils, antiseptics, scented soaps, perfumed bubble bath, shampoos, etc, to bath water
• Do not use vaginal douches
• Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear
• Do not wash around your vagina and vulva too often. Once a day is usually enough, using water alone
• Don't use perfumed 'intimate hygiene' products
• Using a condom and/or a water-based lubricant during intercourse may help protect you
• Avoid using sex toys inside the vagina
• Avoid thongs and tight nylon tights
• Have showers rather than baths
• Lighter periods seem to make BV less likely to return, so if you have heavy periods and were considering seeking treatment, this might be another reason to do so

You need a prescription to buy Zidoval. You can get this from your GP or an online health service, such as Boots Online Doctor. No need to talk to someone in person, simply fill out our online questionnaire and one of our experienced clinicians will prescribe Zidoval treatment for BV if suitable for you.

Boots Online Doctor BV treatment service.