- Treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Uses metronidazole to relieve your BV symptoms
- Disposable applicators included
- Always read the patient information leaflet before use
Buy Zidoval Gel
Zidoval is an antibiotic gel that you can use to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).
It works quickly, and most treatments require just one application a day for five days to be completely effective.
How Zidoval Gel works
Metronidazole is the active ingredient in Zidoval Gel, and each gram of gel contains 7.5mg of this ingredient.
Metronidazole is an antibiotic, which means it works by combatting the bacteria that cause the BV infection. This helps your natural balance of healthy bacteria to even back out and gives your body the space it needs to heal your infection.
It’s important to use the entire course of metronidazole prescribed, even if your symptoms go away, as this will help prevent the infection from coming back.
Directions
Always use Zidoval Gel exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you.
Before using Zidoval gel, you should wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Open the tube of gel and screw the end of an applicator onto the open end of the tube. Gently squeeze the tube of gel to fill the applicator, and you’ll notice that the plunger of the applicator moves as you fill it up and will stop when it’s full.
Remove the applicator from the gel tube when you’ve filled it, and replace the cap on the tube. Insert the end of the applicator into your vagina, like you would insert a tampon, placing it as far into the vagina as it will comfortably go. If you find it easier, you can do this lying down or with one leg raised.
When the applicator is inserted, slowly push down on the plunger until it stops. This will release the gel. Remove the applicator and throw it away with your household waste, then wash your hands again.
You should follow the dosage instructions given to you by your prescriber, but you will usually take Zidoval Gel once a day for five days. You should use one full applicator of gel a day, applying it at bedtime and using a fresh applicator each time. If your condition hasn’t improved after five days, you should speak to your doctor.
Side effects
Like all medicines, Zidoval Gel may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects of this product may include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Being sick
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- An unusual feeling on your tongue
- Dry, red or itchy skin
- Skin irritation or discomfort e.g. pain, burning or stinging
- Vaginal thrush
- Vaginal discharge
- Discomfort in your pelvis
- Decrease of appetite
If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Serious side effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness.
Warnings
Zidoval Gel may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this medicine if:
- You have or have ever had any blood problems or diseases that affect the blood
- You have or think you may have vaginal thrush
- You are on your period
- You are having blood tests
Using/taking other medicines
If you are taking or have recently taken any medication, including medication obtained without a prescription, talk to your GP or pharmacist before using this product.
You must tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following medication:
- Anticoagulants to thin the blood e.g. warfarin
- Lithium, which is used to treat mental illness
- Cyclosporin, which is used to treat autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis
- 5-fluorouracil, which is used to treat skin problems and some cancers
Age restrictions
Unfortunately, we cannot prescribe this product from our clinic to anyone under the age of 18.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before using any new medicine.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol whilst you are using this medication, as it may make your side effects worse.
Driving and operating machinery
This product can cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel safe enough to do so.
Storage information
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after using this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to the NHS website.
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
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Zidoval Gel Reviews
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.
