Vaginitis: making sense of over-the-counter treatment options.
BACKGROUND
The FDA approved over-the-counter (OTC) use of vaginal antifungals in 1990. Subsequently, a plethora of OTC products have become available to women on drugstore shelves.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of OTC products marketed for the treatment of vaginitis and to determine if their efficacy had been confirmed by published prospective randomized control trials (RCTs).


METHODS
The authors chose four retail locations frequented by women seeking vaginitis treatment. All products deemed a viable treatment option were purchased. Results. All intravaginal imidazoles purchased, regardless of treatment duration or active ingredient, were found to be of proven efficacy. We were unable to find an RCT confirming the effectiveness of vaginal anti-itch creams and homeopathic treatments for vaginitis.


CONCLUSIONS
45% of products available to women in the feminine hygiene section of the stores surveyed could not be confirmed to be effective for treating infectious vaginitis.
Angotti
Lauren B
LB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, P.O. Box 250619, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Lambert
Lara C
LC
Soper
David E
DE
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013022:South Carolina
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs