Zidoval

Zidoval gel is applied inside the vagina, so it can kill the bacteria at the site of the infection. The antibiotics get to work directly on the cause of infection, relieving your symptoms usually within 1 week.

You should not use Zidoval gel if you are allergic to:

• metronidazole or any other ingredients in this medicine
• parabens (a preservative agent)
• any similar nitroimidazole antibacterials

Before you use Zidoval gel speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have blood problems or a disease which affects the blood
• have vaginal thrush (candidiasis)

Like with any vaginal infection, it is best to avoid having sex while using Zidoval gel. The gel is not recommended for use in children under the age of 18 and the elderly. This is because the medicine’s safety has not been established in these groups. If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby soon, or currently breastfeeding, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Zidoval gel.

Should you drink alcohol while using Zidoval gel, this can make you feel or be sick. You can also become confused, get headaches, and have an abnormally fast heartbeat. It is advised to not drink alcohol when using this treatment.

Zidoval gel contains metronidazole, which belongs to a class of medications known as nitroimidazole antimicrobials. Other antibiotics in this group include tinidazole, which can be used as an alternative to metronidazole for treating bacterial vaginosis.

In addition to Zidoval gel, bacterial vaginosis can also be treated with metronidazole tablets and creams. Metronidazole tablets include the brand name Flagyl. Metronidazole cream includes the brand names Rozex and Rosiced.

The typical dose of Zidoval gel is one 5g application. This should be inserted into the vagina once each day and is advised to use before going to sleep. There are disposable applicators that are included with Zidoval gel that makes it easier to put the gel into the vagina. You should repeat the process for five days in a row.

To ensure you are using Zidoval gel correctly, you should follow the below steps:

1. Wash hands well with soap and water before use.
2. Take off the cap from the Zidoval gel tube.
3. Make a piercing at the sealed end of the tube.
4. Put the open end of an applicator onto the end of the open tube.
5. Gently and slowly squeeze the tube from the bottom. This will fill the applicator.
6. Take off the applicator from the tube and place the cap back onto the tube.
7. Lie on your back, before bending and parting your knees.
8. Get hold of the filled applicator by its barrel, before inserting the applicator gently into your vagina. Do this as far as it will go without causing discomfort.
9. Push the plunger down slowly into the applicator. This will release the gel into your vagina.
10. Continue to press down until the plunger comes to a stop. This will signal you have released the right amount of gel.
11. Remove the applicator from your vagina and put it in the bin immediately.

Make sure that you use a fresh applicator each night and repeat the procedure above. You should do this for five days in a row, or until your doctor says so. If you do not feel better after treatment has finished, you should see your doctor. This is because you may need alternate treatment.

You should never use more Zidoval gel than you need. If you do use too much, you need to let your doctor or pharmacist know. Too much of this medicine may increase the chance of side effects.

If you have forgotten to use Zidoval gel, you should not take a double dose to make up for it. Instead, apply the gel when you next go to sleep. Make sure you follow your treatment from start to finish. For your infection to go away, you will need to take the entire 5 day course of treatment.