New approaches for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
OBJECTIVE
Review alternative approaches to oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.


METHODS
Assessment of clinical trials on the treatment of bacterial vaginosis with regimens other than 5 to 7 days of metronidazole.


RESULTS
Single-dose metronidazole, 2 gm orally, is as effective as 5- to 7-day courses of oral metronidazole, with cure rates in the 80% to 90% range. Oral clindamycin results in more than a 90% clinical cure rate. Intravaginal clindamycin cream 2% and intravaginal metronidazole gel 0.75% are associated with clinical cure rates similar to those for oral metronidazole.


CONCLUSIONS
Single-dose metronidazole, oral clindamycin, intravaginal clindamycin cream, and intravaginal metronidazole gel are effective and safe alternatives to a 5- to 7-day course of oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Sweet
R L
RL
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Magee-Womens Hospital, PA 15213.
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D008795:Metronidazole; D002981:Clindamycin