Metronidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis - A Comparison Between Vaginal Gel & Oral Therapy.

Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficacy of 0.75% metronidazole vaginal gel with oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Study Design and setting: Comparative study, conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Ghurki Trust Teaching hospital attached with Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore. Patients & methods: The total number of patients included were 290. They were divided into two groups, by random selection. Group A (150 patients) and Group 13 (140 patients). Results: 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 mainly because of gastro-intestinal complaints. Conclusion: 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.