Zidoval Gel
Buy Zidoval
Zidoval is an antibiotic gel that you can use to treat bacterial vaginosis or BV. You insert each dose into your vagina using the disposable applicators included, where the gel can get to work combatting the bacteria which cause your infection right away. It works quickly, with most treatments needing just one application a day for 5 days to be completely effective.
How Zidoval treats bacterial vaginosis
Metronidazole is the active ingredient in Zidoval gel, with 7.5mg of this ingredient in each gram of gel. 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 that is prescribed to you, even if your symptoms go away, as this will help to keep the infection from coming back.
Directions
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, 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.
How much of this product should I use per dose?
You should follow the dosage instructions given to you by your prescriber, but you will usually take Zidoval gel once a day for a total of 5 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 5 days you should speak to your doctor.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Zidoval metronidazole gel can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most common side effects of this treatment include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Being sick (vomiting)
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- An unusual feeling on your tongue
- Dry skin
- Redness of your skin
- Itchy skin
- Skin discomfort, e.g. burning, pain, stinging
- Skin irritation
- Vaginal thrush
- Vaginal discharge
- Discomfort in your pelvis
- A decrease in your appetite
For a complete list of potential side effects of this product, please see the patient information leaflet included with your medication. If you experience these or any other side effects while taking this product you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If any of your symptoms become severe (for example, in the case of a severe allergic reaction), be sure to seek immediate medical assistance. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
Warnings
Zidoval gel is not suitable for use in children and adolescents under the age of 18 or elderly people. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metronidazole, other nitroimidazole antibacterials, parabens (a preservative agent), or any of the other listed ingredients in this medication. Tell your prescriber during your first consultation if you:
- Have or have ever had any blood problems or diseases affecting the blood
- Have or think you may have vaginal thrush
- Are having your period
- Are having blood tests, as this treatment can interfere with some test results
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warning
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should let your prescriber know about this during your consultation. As this treatment is inserted into your vagina, your prescriber will need to consider whether this will have any effects on your pregnancy as well as weighing up the pros and cons of any effects metronidazole can have on your baby. You should usually avoid taking any unnecessary medications while pregnant or breastfeeding, so make sure to discuss this treatment with a medical professional before using it.
Alcohol Warning
Drinking alcohol while taking Zidoval gel can cause some side effects, so we’d recommend avoiding alcohol while you’re using this treatment. If you do drink alcohol then you should look out for the following side effects:
- Feeling sick
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Feeling confused
- Headaches
- An abnormally fast heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop drinking alcohol and speak to a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Other Medication
If you’re taking any other medication, including medicines you obtained without a prescription or herbal remedies, you should tell your prescriber about them during your consultation. Some medications can interact when used together, causing unwanted side effects or making your treatment less effective. Be especially sure to mention if you are taking any of the following:
- Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, such as warfarin
- Lithium, which is used to treat mental illnesses
- Cyclosporin, which is used to treat autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis
- 5-fluorouracil, which is used to treat skin problems and some cancers
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking 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 taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our 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.
Storage
Keep in the original packaging in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Do not store above 25ºC. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging, referring to the last day of the stated month. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Ingredients
The active substance is metronidazole. Each gram of gel contains 7.5 mg of metronidazole.
The other ingredients are: Carbopol 974P, disodium edetate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), propylene glycol (E1520), sodium hydroxide (E524) and purified water.
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Shipping Times
| Method | Handling Time | Transit Time | Timescale | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Shipping (3-5 Working Days) | 1 | 2 | 3 | £2.95 |
Times are given in working days and are approximate. Costs may change based on order total, day of the week or location within the UK. Ability to hit timescales will depend on whether the products are ordered before a cut off time, as well as additional administration time incurred in reviewing your order.
Please review the estimates at the checkout.
Shipping Costs
Free UK Delivery on all orders over £30* - Delivery within 3-5 working days.
Standard UK Delivery - £2.95* - Delivery within 3-5 working days.
Express UK Delivery - £4.95** - Delivery within 1-2 working days.
Temperature Controlled Delivery - £8.85 - Delivery within 1-3 working days.
Please Note: These prices are shown as a guide only. All delivery times are approximate but have been obtained in good faith.
*Excluding refrigerated products and treatments which are subject to different postage charges.
Discreet Delivery
All our items are sent completely discreet for your peace of mind.
This means the packaging is plain, there is no mention of what product is inside your package and there is no mention of Chemist4U either.
We respect that many of our products are of a sensitive nature - this is why we take every step to keep your purchases private.
Returns Information
Customers can read our full returns policy by clicking here
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.
Read MoreCan 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.
