Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Metronidazole is a man-made drug that is effective
against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms of
metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as
Trichomonas vaginalis, ameba, and Giardia and also is effective against
anaerobic bacterial infections. (Anaerobic bacteria are a type of bacteria that
can grow without the presence of oxygen.) Metronidazole gel also is used for
treating rosacea, a type of
skin rash. Metronidazole was approved by the FDA in
1963.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Topical gel (0.75%, 1%), cream or lotion (0.75%): Vaginal gel
(0.75%)
STORAGE: Topical forms of metronidazole should be stored at room temperature,
15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Metronidazole topical gel, cream, and lotion are used for
treating rosacea. Metronidazole vaginal gel is used for the treatment of
bacterial vaginosis (also referred to as
Hemophilusvaginitis,
Gardnerella
vaginitis, or nonspecific vaginitis), a bacterial infection of the vagina. It is
not effective in treating another common vaginal infection, Candidal vaginosis
("yeast infection").
DOSING: To treat rosacea, a thin film of metronidazole gel should be rubbed
on affected areas once or twice daily. The usual dose of vaginal metronidazole
gel is one applicator full (containing 37.5mg of metronidazole) intravaginally
twice daily for five days. It should be applied once in the morning and once in
the evening.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while being
treated with metronidazole vaginal gel since this may result in headache,
nausea, weakness, confusion, and even psychosis. This is the same reaction
(disulfiram reaction) that occurs in alcoholics who drink alcohol while taking
disulfiram (Antabuse), a drug used to discourage alcoholics from drinking
alcohol.
Oral metronidazole interacts with warfarin (Coumadin), increasing the
latter's blood-thinning properties. Little metronidazole is absorbed topically
or from the vagina, and it is not known if the low blood levels achieved with
topical or vaginal metronidazole can result in this interaction.
PREGNANCY: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but
there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Orally administered metronidazole is secreted in
breast milk
in concentrations that are similar to concentrations in the mother's blood.
Although metronidazole concentration in blood after vaginal or topical
administration is small, potential effects on the infant still should be
considered.
SIDE EFFECTS: Adverse reactions include skin irritation, allergic reaction,
and candida vaginitis during or shortly after therapy,
vaginal vulvar itching,
gastrointestinal cramps or pain, nausea, and metallic taste.
Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although it may cause some disturbing symptoms (discharge and odor), it is not dangerous and cannot be passed by sex. Diagnosis becomes important to exclude serious infections like gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Many treatment options are available such as oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is
Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is
very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their
lives. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of infections, including bacteria
(such as Gardnerella and
gonorrhea), protozoans (such as
trichomonas), and yeast (Candida). Vaginal yeast
infection, which is the most common form of vaginitis, is often referred to as vaginal
Candidiasis.
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