Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis - a comparison between vaginal gel and oral therapy

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of 0.75% metronidazole vaginal gel with oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Comparative study, conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital attached with Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. The total number of patients included were 290. They were divided into two groups, by random selection. Group A [150 patients] and Group B [140 patients]. 150 patients received metronidazole vaginal gel for 5 days. 98 [85%] patients were free of signs of infection. 11 [9.5%] patients showed partial response and the dose was repeated, while 6 [5.2%] patients showed no response to treatment. 140 patients received metronidazole 400 mg x BD orally for 5 days. In which 80 [77%] patients were free of discharge while 14 [13%] patients and 10 [9.6%] patients showed partial or no response respectively and it was mainly because of gastro-intestinal complaints. Vaginal metronidazole is effective for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and is associated with better compliance and less side effects as compared to oral metronidazole