ZIDOVAL ® Metronidazole

ZIDOVAL ® is a drug based on Metronidazole

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antiprotozoans - Antimicrobial gynecological antiseptics

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ZIDOVAL ® Metronidazole

ZIDOVAL® is indicated for the topical treatment of bacterial symptomatological vaginosis.

Mechanism of action ZIDOVAL ® Metronidazole

Metronidazole, the active ingredient of ZIDOVAL ®, is an antimicrobial chemotherapy with a broad spectrum of action directed against protozoa such as Trichomonas, Giardia and Entamoeba but also anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridia or Bacteroides and microaerophilic microorganisms such as Campylobacter and Helicobacter.

Topical application of the gel allows the active ingredient to reach the vaginal environment in large concentrations, where, in the presence of pathogenic species such as Trichomonas vaginalis, it is reduced to a highly reactive nitroradical, able to react with the target DNA forming complexes inactive that seriously compromise the viability of the pathogen.

Despite the impressive bactericidal action directed against the pathogenic elements, Metronidazole therapy appears to save the resident flora, thus preserving the local first barrier defenses.

Unfortunately, the indiscriminate use of this antiprotozoal over time has led to the emergence of microorganisms resistant to common therapy and in some cases responsible for particularly serious and recurrent clinical conditions.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

METRONIDAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF GINGIVITIS

J Int Acad Periodontol. 2012 Oct; 14 (4): 91-6.

Study that tests new applications related to the use of Metronidazole, underlining how in association with chlorhexidine, may be effective in the treatment of gingivitis.

METRONIDAZOLE AND CANCER

Pharmacol Rep. 2012 Sep; 64 (5): 1276-80.

Interesting work that investigates the potential carcinogenic effects of Metronidazole, highlighting how generally higher concentrations of the drug and its metabolite can be found in women with colon cancer.

METRONIDAZOLE AND PROBIOTICS IN THE TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Microb Ecol. 2012 Dec 19.

Study that reports the effectiveness of the 7-day treatment with Metronidazole for vaginal use in improving the clinical conditions during bacterial vaginosis. Surprisingly, the use of probiotics for 10 days reproduced similar results.

Method of use and dosage

ZIDOVAL ®

Metronidazole 7.5 mg vaginal use gel per gram of cream.

The normal therapeutic plan provides for the application directly in the vagina of 5 g of gel once a day, preferably before going to bed, for at least 5 consecutive days.

For a correct application it is recommended to carefully follow the instructions for using the applicator.

Warnings ZIDOVAL ® Metronidazole

In order to minimize the occurrence of side effects and at the same time maximize the efficacy of the therapy, it would be advisable for ZIDOVAL ® to be used under the strict supervision of a doctor and above all after having adequately performed a differential diagnosis.

It is recommended to avoid the application of this gel during the menstrual period and in patients with previous clinical history of hematological, neurological and hepatic diseases.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Although the use of ZIDOVAL ® has proven to be generally safe for the fetus even when applied during pregnancy, it would be advisable to use this drug only in cases of real need and under the strict supervision of your gynecologist.

The same caution must also be maintained during the breastfeeding phase.

Interactions

Topical use of Metronidazole significantly reduces the risk of clinically relevant drug interactions, thus ensuring a particularly adequate safety profile.

However, the patient receiving ZIDOVAL ® should avoid the simultaneous intake of alcohol due to the risk of disulfiram-like syndrome, characterized by vomiting, headache and cramped abdominal pain.

Contraindications ZIDOVAL ® Metronidazole

The use of ZIDOVAL ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to Metronidazole or to any of its excipients contained in the drug.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The use of ZIDOVAL ® could cause the appearance of headache, dizziness, abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, alteration of the perception of taste, and local manifestations such as itching, burning, vaginal discharge and irritation.