Name: Zidoval
Published: Apr 24, 2023

Zidoval

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Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023. by Dr Daniel Atkinson GP Clinical Lead Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on April 24, 2026.

Last updated on Apr 24, 2023.

Product info

Zidoval Gel is an antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV).
It’s inserted directly into your vagina with an easy-to-use applicator.
The active ingredient, metronidazole, is an antibacterial that targets the infection site directly.

Price checker

Prices include:

Express shipping
24 hour shipping by secure courier.
Consultation + Access to our clinicians
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Total
£30.95

Save £0.00 each order

Zidoval: essential info
Zidoval: instructions
Important stuff you need to know
FAQ

What is Zidoval Gel?

ZZidoval gel is an antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a very common bacterial infection that’s caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.^[1] It affects one in three women globally.^[2]

It can cause unpleasant symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge that’s grey or white in colour, has a ‘fishy’ odour, ‘watery’ in texture and sometimes a burning sensation when you pee.

Zidoval gel contains the active ingredient, metronidazole, which eliminates the bacteria that causes the BV infection and helps manage symptoms. Zidoval Gel is applied internally to the vagina once a day (preferably at night before bed) for five days. Although it’s not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), BV can still be triggered by sex, and it’s been linked to an increased risk of getting other STIs like chlamydia.^[3]

How does Zidoval Gel work?

Zidoval Gel contains an antibiotic called metronidazole. Metronidazole is used for various infections, such as skin infections like rosacea, or mouth infections such as abscesses or gum infections.

The pH balance inside the vagina is very delicate and can be disturbed by something as simple as sex, having an IUD fitted or using a new product that has perfumes in it. Changes in the pH balance of the vagina can allow bacteria to quickly grow, reproduce and multiply.

Metronidazole stops the growth of this bacteria by interfering with its DNA and preventing it from producing more proteins – which it needs to multiply. This causes the bacteria to weaken and the infection to clear up.It may also help to prevent BV from coming back.

How long does Zidoval Gel take to work?

Zidoval Gel is typically used for five days. But the infection, including symptoms, can clear up within a few days to a week, depending on how severe the BV is.

Recurring BV is common, though. 60% of women who have had BV typically experience it again within 12 months.^[4] That’s why it’s best to complete the treatment as advised, to make sure it’s completely gone and reduce the chance of it coming back.

Treated trusted sources:

NHS, October 2022, Conditions: Bacterial Vaginosis,
Vodstrcil, L.A., Plummer, E.L., Doyle, M. et al. (2020) Treating male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis (StepUp): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of male partner treatment for reducing the risk of BV recurrence. BMC Infect Dis 20, 834
Bilardi, Jade, et al. 2013 “The Burden of Bacterial Vaginosis: Women’S Experience of the Physical, Emotional, Sexual and Social Impact of Living with Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis.” PLoS ONE, vol. 8, no. 9, , https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0074378. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.
Shaaban, O.M., Fetih, G.N., Abdellah, N.H., Ismail, S., Ibrahim, M.A. and Ibrahim, E.-s.A. (2011), Pilot randomized trial for treatment of bacterial vaginosis using in situ forming metronidazole vaginal gel. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 37: 874-881.f

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on April 25, 2023. Next review due on April 24, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

How to use Zidoval Gel

It’s important to use Zidoval Gel as instructed by your prescriber. Zidoval Gel is for vaginal use only. If you have a same-sex partner, they might need treatment as well.

Before using Zidoval Gel:

Always wash your hands before opening the tube or touching the applicator
Use a new applicator for each dose (provided)
Use one 5g dose once daily at bedtime for five days

To apply Zidoval Gel:

Remove the cap from the tube and use the pointed end to pierce the tube
Screw the open end of the applicator onto the tube
Squeeze the tube gently to fill the applicator until the plunger stops moving (fills to 5g)
find a comfortable position (laying on your back with knees bent) insert the applicator deep into your vagina
Slowly push the plunger down to release the gel into your vagina until it stops
Remove the applicator and bin it
Repeat these steps for five days at the same time (before bed)

It’s best to do it at bedtime so the treatment is less disturbed and can work effectively. If your condition hasn’t improved after the five-day course, let your prescriber know.

How effective is Zidoval Gel at treating bacterial vaginosis?

The active ingredient in Zidoval Gel (metronidazole) has been shown to be highly effective at treating bacterial infections, especially BV. Across different studies and clinical trials, 70-90% of women taking metronidazole found that it treated BV and reduced symptoms within a week of treatment. It was also shown to be effective and prevent BV from coming back.^[1]^[2]

What happens if I make a mistake while using Zidoval Gel?

If you use too much Zidoval Gel, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Using too much can increase the risk of side effects.

If you forgot to use a dose, don’t take a double dose to make up for it – just apply your next dose as usual. This means you’ll finish your treatment a day later. It’s important to finish your five-day course until your infection clears up completely and your condition has improved.

It’s also important to know that you should avoid having sex whilst on this treatment. This is because sex can make the treatment less effective and worsen your condition. Speak to your doctor for advice if you’re on your period, as it’s best not to use tampons during Zidoval treatment.

Treated trusted sources:

Shaaban, O.M., Fetih, G.N., Abdellah, N.H., Ismail, S., Ibrahim, M.A. and Ibrahim, E.-s.A. (2011), Pilot randomized trial for treatment of bacterial vaginosis using in situ forming metronidazole vaginal gel. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 37: 874-881.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. 2009 Dec 21 Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Which treatments are effective for bacterial vaginosis?

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on April 25, 2023. Next review due on April 24, 2026.

How we source info.

FAQ: Zidoval

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Are there any similar treatments to Zidoval Gel?

Answer:

There are many treatment options for bacterial vaginosis, which can come as either oral tablets or topical ointments.

Zidoval Gel contains the active ingredient metronidazole, which you can also get as a generic (unbranded) tablet, simply called Metronidazole., You take them for one week, twice a day. The branded tablet is called Flagyl, and it works in exactly the same way but may differ in price and appearance due to the different manufacturers.

Dalacin 2% is another BV vaginal cream, but it contains a different active ingredient (clindamycin). This may be better suited to women who are sensitive to metronidazole.

Balance Activ vaginal gel is another option, which helps to restore the natural pH balance in the vagina to treat BV. It also comes as a pessary.

Canesten is a well-known brand that makes products for vaginal health. Their Canesbalance range has a vaginal gel that treats the symptoms of BV and also restores the pH balance of the vagina.

Can I drink alcohol whilst using Zidoval Gel?

Answer:

Alcohol should be avoided while you’re on a course of antibiotics. If you drink alcohol whilst using Zidoval Gel it can worsen side effects like nausea and headaches, or cause an irregular and abnormally fast heartbeat. If this happens, stop drinking alcohol and seek urgent medical attention.

What are the side effects of Zidoval Gel?

Answer:

Like all medicines, Zidoval Gel can cause side effects – but not everyone will get them. The most common side effects include:

Headaches

Cramps

Nausea

Unpleasant taste

Dry skin

Rash

Irritation

Vaginal discharge

Loss of appetite

Some women can also get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics, especially when using a topical gel around the vagina. This happens when the antibiotics kill the normal bacteria in the vagina that help to protect you from fungal infections like thrush.^[1]

I’m pregnant, can I still use Zidoval Gel?

Answer:

It’s recommended you speak to your prescriber first if you’re pregnant (or you think you are) before using Zidoval Gel. There have been no formal studies on the use and effects of Zidoval Gel on pregnant women, and it can be excreted in small amounts into breast milk – so caution should be taken before use.

Do I need a prescription for Zidoval Gel?

Answer:

Yes. Like all antibiotics, you need a prescription for metronidazole, the active ingredient in Zidoval Gel. This is so that a clinician can determine the safest and most effective way to treat your infection is.

It’s recommended that you have a positive test result for bacterial vaginosis from a sexual health clinic or your GP so your prescriber knows that Zidoval Gel will be a suitable and safe treatment for you.