Bacterial vaginosis refers to a vaginal condition in which there is an overgrowth of the normal bacterial flora in the vagina. This overgrowth of vaginal bacteria is due an imbalance in the pH of the vagina, thereby leading to an overgrowth of bacterial organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Gardnerella mobiluncus, and Mycoplasma hominis, notes the Urology Channel. Symptoms, such as foul odor emanating from the vagina, burning, pain and itching, are commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of anaerobic bacterial infection including those that cause bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole exhibits bacteriostatic properties against bacterial organisms by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins essential for the survival of bacterial organisms. According to Uptodate.com, metronidazole is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and is considered to be one of the most effective treatment options. Metronidazole can be prescribed as a vaginal gel, which is applied inside the vagina at bedtime for a duration of five days, or it can be prescribed in the pill form as a 500 mg dosage and taken twice daily for a period of seven days. Side effects commonly associated with metronidazole include diarrhea, nausea and headache.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a lincomycin-class antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections including those resulting in bacterial vaginosis. Clindamycin exhibits bacteriostatic effects on bacterial organisms by inhibiting the biosynthesis of proteins required for bacterial growth. According to MedlinePlus, clindamycin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in the form of a vaginal suppository or vaginal cream. Clindamycin vaginal suppositories are used once daily at bedtime and are prescribed for a duration of three days. Clindamycin vaginal creams are also applied once daily at bedtime, but are prescribed for a period of three to seven days. Side effects commonly associated with clindamycin include nausea, vaginal pain and nausea.
Tinidazole
According to Tindamax.com, tinidazole is an antiprotozoal medication prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections, primarily those resulting in bacterial vaginosis. Unlike other intravaginal treatments, such as metronidazole and clindamycin, tinidazole treats the entire reproductive tract including the upper reproductive tract to which bacterial vaginosis is known to migrate. Tinidazole is prescribed either as four 500 mg doses taken once daily for a period of two days, or two 500 mg doses taken once daily for a duration of five days.
