Zidoval Gel

Zidoval Gel Online

You can request to buy Zidoval gel online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. After completing your short online assessment and checking out, your order will be passed to our UK registered doctors for review.

If approved, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch your medication to your chosen address using discreet packaging. We use Royal Mail as a courier. Options include standard delivery or next day delivery.

What is Zidoval gel?

Zidoval gel is a prescription only vaginal gel used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It contains an antibiotic called metronidazole. Metronidazole works to stop any further growth of bacteria, allowing the body to restore balance. Metronidazole is often used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. These include infections of the skin, vagina and stomach.

How does Zidoval gel work?

BV is caused by changes in the natural balance of the bacteria in the vagina. These changes cause an overgrowth of certain bacteria and a reduction in others. This overgrowth leads to the symptoms seen in BV.

The antibiotic in Zidoval gel works by killing the bacteria that causes the overgrowth. This helps rebalance the natural bacteria in the vagina and treat the symptoms of BV.

The main symptom of BV is an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, most often after sexual intercourse. The discharge may be thin and watery and have a white or grey colour. Soreness and itching symptoms are not usually associated with BV. Half of women with BV will not have any symptoms.

Zidoval gel is not effective against other infections of the vagina, such as vaginal thrush or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How to use Zidoval gel

The packaging for Zidoval gel contains disposable applicators that are used to help apply the gel inside the vagina. The dose is one application of gel at bedtime for 5 days.

The patient information leaflet contains the following information about how to use Zidoval gel:

• Wash your hands before and after using the gel.
• Pierce the sealed end of the tube with the pointed end of the cap. 
• Tighten the open end of the applicator onto the tube. 
• Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator with gel. The plunger will move as the applicator fills and will stop moving when it contains the required dose.
• Remove the applicator from the tube and gently insert the applicator inside the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. 
• Release the gel by pushing the plunger.
• Dispose of the applicator in a waste bin.

Zidoval gel alternatives

The two antibiotics used to treat BV are:

• Metronidazole (Zidoval gel)
• Clindamycin (Dalacin cream)

The course of treatment for Zidoval gel is once daily for 5 days.

The course of treatment for Dalacin cream is once daily for 7 days.

Clindamycin and metronidazole are both available as capsules or tablets to be taken by mouth. Our doctors can only prescribe the gel or cream versions.

FAQ

What is Zidoval gel used for?

Zidoval gel is also known as metronidazole vaginal gel. It is an antibiotic gel used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).

How does Zidoval gel work?

BV is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. Zidoval gel contains an antibiotic called metronidazole. This kills the bacteria causing the overgrowth. This enables the body to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Is Zidoval gel used to treat STIs?

This gel is not used to treat sexually transmitted infections. Different STIs are caused by a different type of bacteria or virus. This means different treatments are used. For more information on STIs and how to treat them, visit the NHS page.

Can Zidoval gel be used for thrush?

The gel contains an antibiotic called metronidazole which is effective against a bacterial infection. Vaginal thrush is a fungal infection meaning Zidoval gel will not treat thrush. Vaginal thrush needs to be treated by antifungal medication. We offer treatments for thrush on our website.

How long does Zidoval gel take to work?

The gel is used once a day for 5 consecutive days. Symptoms may improve sooner but treatment should continue for the full 5 days. If symptoms are still present after the 5 day course of treatment, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How can I prevent BV from returning?

The exact cause of BV is not known but below we have listed some tips to reduce the risk of BV returning:

• Not using perfumed soaps, shower gels or bubble bath in the bath
• Not smoking 
• Not using vaginal deodorants or washes
• Having showers instead of baths
• Using water and plain soap to wash the genital area
• Not washing your underwear in strong detergents

Side effects of Zidoval gel

Zidoval gel is a well-tolerated medicine, however, there is always a risk of side effects when taking any medicine. Please read the patient information leaflet to be aware of the potential side effects. 

Listed below are some of the common side effects that users may experience:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Being sick
• Vaginal thrush
• Stomach cramps

If you notice any side effects you should stop using the gel and speak to your GP.

Warnings

Interactions with other medicines

When filling out our online form, make sure to list any medicines you currently take. Zidoval gel can interact with:

• Alcohol
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Lithium
• Cyclosporin (for autoimmune diseases)

These interactions are less likely with the vaginal gel compared to taking metronidazole tablets. 

It is not advisable to drink alcohol when using metronidazole. This combination can cause nausea, confusion, headaches and an abnormally fast heartbeat. 

Other conditions and Zidoval gel

When filling out our online form, make sure to mention any medical conditions that you have. Please mention if you have ever had a disease or diseases that affect the blood. It is important that you mention if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Zidoval gel should not be used if:

• You are allergic to metronidazole
• You are allergic to parabens (a preservative agent)

Please mention any allergies on our online form.

Treatment with Zidoval gel is not recommended during your period. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for the duration of treatment.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Zidoval Gel PIL