Comparison of local metronidazole and a local antiseptic in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
OBJECTIVE
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a mixed flora of pathogenic anaerobic bacteria and associated with risks of pathologic conditions. In the present study, therapy with a local antiseptic spray (octenidine hydrochloride/phenoxyethanol, OHP) for 7 or 14 days is compared against the standard local therapy of BV (metronidazole) in a Serbian patient population.


METHODS
As much as 450 women were treated in groups with either 7 days metronidazole vaginal tablets, 7 days OHP, or 14 days OHP. Control smears were taken after each treatment period.


RESULTS
In total, 63.2% of the women were without indications of BV after therapy (metronidazole: 61.0%, OHP 7 days: 57.6%, and OHP 14 days: 71.0%). Significantly fewer women were affected from infections after treatment with 14 days OHP compared to OHP for 7 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Octenidine hydrochloride/phenoxyethanol spray was as effective as the standard therapy with metronidazole. Patients stated that OHP was more comfortable, easier to apply, and side effects were lesser.
Novakov Mikic
Aleksandra
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Branimira Cosica 37, Novi Sad, Serbia. aleksandranovakov@yahoo.com
Budakov
Dragan
D
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007097:Imines; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055771:Serbia; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D007097:Imines; D011725:Pyridines; D008795:Metronidazole; C005398:phenoxyethanol; C034213:octenidine