Zidoval

How does it work?

Zidoval vaginal gel contains the active ingredient metronidazole, which is a type of medicine called an antibiotic. Metronidazole is used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other micro-organisms called protozoa.

Metronidazole works by entering bacterial and protozoal cells and interfering with their genetic material (DNA). It damages the DNA and also prevents the bacteria and protozoa from forming new DNA. This ultimately results in metronidazole killing the micro-organisms, which clears up the infection.

Metronidazole kills a wide variety of bacteria that are known collectively as anaerobic bacteria. This means that they do not need oxygen to grow and multiply.

Metronidazole gel is inserted into the vagina using an applicator to treat an infection called bacterial vaginosis.

What is it used for?

Bacterial vaginosis

Warning!

This medicine is for vaginal use only.

It is recommended that you don't use the gel during your menstrual period.

As with all vaginal infections, sexual intercourse during the infection and during treatment with Zidoval gel is not recommended.

When metronidazole tablets are taken by mouth it is recommended that you don't drink alcohol, as this can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache and palpitations. When using metronidazole vaginal gel this interaction with alcohol is much less likely to happen, as the metronidazole is not absorbed into the bloodstream to the same extent as with tablets. However, you should be aware that this reaction does have the potential to occur if you drink alcohol while using the gel.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine is not recommended for children.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Vaginal thrush (candidiasis)

Vaginal discharge

Vaginal itching, irritation, burning or numbness

Pelvic discomfort

Abdominal pain

Decreased appetite

Unpleasant taste

Sensation of furry tongue

Disturbance of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation

Headache

Dizziness

Numbness or tingling in the extremities

Darkened urine

Menstrual discomfort or irregularity

Vaginal bleeding or spotting

Vulvar swelling

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

When this medicine is inserted into the vagina it is absorbed into the bloodstream in lower amounts than metronidazole taken by mouth and so is unlikely to affect other medicines that you are taking.

However, if you are taking any of the following medicines, you should be aware that interactions with this gel cannot be ruled out:

Metronidazole may enhance the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin, and this may increase the risk of bleeding.

Metronidazole may increase the blood levels of the following medicines:

ciclosporin

fluorouracil

lithium

phenytoin.

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