40g
What is Zidoval gel?
Zidoval gel is an antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria. It contains metronidazole 0.75% and is applied directly inside the vagina using an applicator, to make sure the dosage is correct.
The gel then helps to reduce harmful bacteria and restore a healthy vaginal environment. And since, unlike oral antibiotics, it works directly at the site of infection, it can reduce the risk of side effects.
What is Zidoval gel used for?
Zidoval gel is primarily used to treat bacterial vaginosis. BV occurs when there is a disruption in the balance of vaginal bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to overgrow.
Common symptoms of BV include:
- thin, grey or white vaginal discharge
- a strong, fishy odour
- vaginal discomfort or irritation
Metronidazole is also available in topical formulations for skin conditions like rosacea. However, these are designed for external use only. Vaginal metronidazole gel is specifically formulated to be safe and effective for internal use.
How does Zidoval gel work?
Metronidazole works by disrupting the DNA of anaerobic bacteria, preventing them from multiplying and ultimately killing the infection.
This helps reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria associated with BV and restores the natural vaginal balance.
How long does Zidoval gel take to work?
Most people begin to notice an improvement in symptoms within a few days of starting treatment.
- Initial symptom relief: 2–3 days.
- Full treatment course: typically 5–7 days.
It is important to complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve earlier, to help prevent the infection from returning.
How to use Zidoval vaginal gel
Always follow the instructions provided with your medication or by your clinician..
When using Zidoval gel:
- Insert the gel into the vagina using the applicator provided.
- Apply once daily, usually at bedtime.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Complete the full course of treatment.
Using the gel at night can help improve how effective the gel is, and reduce leakage.
Potential Zidoval gel side effects
Like all medicines, Zidoval gel can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects include:
- vaginal irritation or itching
- headache
- mild abdominal discomfort
Less common side effects:
- nausea
- dizziness
- altered taste
These side effects are usually mild and temporary. You can find out more in the patient information leaflet.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling or difficulty breathing)
- persistent or worsening symptoms
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- symptoms of another infection, like thrush
When not to use Zidoval gel
Zidoval gel may not be suitable if you:
- are allergic to metronidazole or similar antibiotics
- have undiagnosed vaginal symptoms
- have been advised to avoid vaginal treatments
If you are unsure, speak to a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
Can I drink alcohol when using Zidoval gel?
You should avoid drinking alcohol while using metronidazole and for at least 24-48 hours after completing your treatment. This is because it can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat.
Zidoval gel and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist before using metronidazole gel.
The NHS states that metronidazole can be used during pregnancy if needed, but this should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
How to order your Zidoval gel with Chemist4U
To request Zidoval gel with Chemist4U, all you need to do is:
- Complete a short medical consultation.
- A qualified prescriber will review your answers.
- If appropriate, your treatment will be approved, and sent out in discreet packaging.
This ensures safe and appropriate access to prescription-only medication.
Storage information
- Store below 25°C
- Keep out of sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date
- Dispose of unused medication responsibly
Alternatives to Zidoval gel
If metronidazole gel is not suitable, alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis include:
- oral metronidazole tablets
- clindamycin cream or capsules
- vaginal gels that help restore natural pH balance (Balance Activ, Relactagel)
Which treatment you choose will depend on your individual circumstances.
Frequently asked questions about Zidoval gel
Can you pee after inserting Zidoval gel?
Yes, urinating after inserting the gel will not affect how it works.
Does Zidoval gel push out discharge?
You may notice some discharge during treatment. This is usually a combination of the gel and the body clearing the infection.
How far up do you put BV gel?
The applicator is designed to deliver the gel to the correct depth. Insert it gently as far as it comfortably goes.
Can I use Zidoval gel while on my period?
It is generally recommended to wait until your period has finished, as menstrual flow may reduce how effective your treatment is.
Can Zidoval gel cause bleeding?
Light spotting can occur, but any unusual or heavy bleeding should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Can Zidoval gel cause a yeast infection?
Antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast, which may lead to thrush.
Sources
- Bacterial vaginosis. NHS. [Accessed 1 May 2026].
- Metronidazole. NHS. [Accessed 1 May 2026].
- UK National Guideline for the Management of Bacterial Vaginosis. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. [Accessed 1 May 2026].
- Bacterial vaginosis: antimicrobial prescribing. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. [Accessed 1 May 2026].
- Bacterial vaginosis. Patient.info. [Accessed 1 May 2026].
- Bacterial vaginosis. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. [Accessed 1 May 2026].
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Advice & Guides
Have I got bacterial vaginosis (BV) or thrush?
Thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis are common infections that can make your intimate area feel less than friendly.
If you’re struggling with an infection, you’re going to want to get rid of it fast, if only so you can lose the annoying itching!
But how can you tell the difference between these two very similar infections? Let’s find out the facts and see what makes them so different.
Can I use Zidoval if I’m on my period?
You should tell your prescriber if you’re on your period when you’re going through your consultation for Zidoval.
Your period and feminine hygiene products like tampons can affect this medication and can make it less effective or more difficult to apply correctly, so you won’t be able to use it during your period.
Before your consultation, you might also want to consider whether you’re due to start your period within the next week or so and let your prescriber know if you think you might.
Will Zidoval gel affect my contraception?
As you should not have sex while using this treatment, you probably won’t need to use contraception until your treatment is over.
However, if you do decide to have sex and normally use a barrier method of contraception (such as a male or female condom), then you will probably need to use another method of contraception (like the contraceptive pill) too.
Medications used inside the vagina can affect the structure of condoms, making them more likely to break and making them less effective.
If you’re concerned about sex or contraception while using this medication, you should let your prescriber know during your consultation so they can give you advice and help you to decide what will be best for you.
What’s the difference between bacterial vaginosis and thrush?
Thrush is a common fungal infection that can affect your vagina, making it very similar to BV in some ways. Vaginal thrush and BV have quite different symptoms, so it’s usually pretty simple to tell them apart. Here’s a rundown of the symptoms you’ll experience with each one:
| Bacterial Vaginosis | Thrush |
|---|---|
| Strong fishy smell | No noticeable smell |
| Thin, watery, grey-ish discharge | White, thick, cottage cheese-like discharge |
| No itching | Itching and irritation around the vagina |
| No soreness | Stinging or burning sensation, especially when you pee |
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (also known as BV) is an infection in your vagina which causes an unusual, fishy-smelling discharge.
It happens when the natural balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina becomes disrupted, letting the bacteria that cause BV to grow and thrive, causing an infection.
BV usually isn’t serious, and around 50% of people who have this infection won’t experience any symptoms, but those who do will notice that their vaginal discharge looks thin, grey-ish, or watery and will have a distinct fishy smell.
Although BV isn’t an STI (sexually transmitted infection), it can be caused by sex and you may find that your symptoms are worse after having sex.
Do I need a prescription for this medication?
You do need a prescription for this medication in the UK.
Our healthcare professionals can provide prescriptions if they think this treatment would be right for you and your condition.
When you click the button which reads “Start Consultation” at the top of this page, you’ll see a short questionnaire set up by our healthcare team which is designed to help them understand your medical needs.
Just like an in-person consultation with your GP, our doctors will assess your answers to their questions and write a prescription for the treatment they think will be best for you.
You’ll then be able to pay for your medication and we’ll send it out to you quickly and in discreet packaging.
