Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs when certain bacteria accumulate in the vaginal tissues. Douching or sexual intercourse with a new partner may lead to this condition, as the normal balance of the bacteria can be affected, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in fertile women, especially pregnant women, in the United States. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include vaginal pain, burning, itching and a fish-like stench.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to destroy the bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis. It also treats bacterial infections of the joints, skin, respiratory tract and stomach.
According to Drugs.com, metronidazole's typical effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, dry mouth and a cough. Metronidazole can also cause vaginal discharge or itching, dizziness, headache, loss of balance, runny nose and sneezing. This drug's serious effects include seizures, bloody or watery diarrhea, white patches on the mouth or throat, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, seizures and chills. A fever, sore throat and the flu are metronidazole's other serious side effects.
Metronidazole is given as a vaginal gel or as an extended-release tablet. Insert the vaginal gel or take the tablet as prescribed.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a lincomycin antibiotic that serves to destroy bacterial infections. It is also used to treat bacterial infections of the blood, internal organs, skin and lungs, according to MedlinePlus.
Clindamycin's typical side effects include pain with swallowing, joint pain, nausea, heartburn and itching, burning and swelling of the vagina. Clindamycin also causes white vaginal discharge and heartburn. This antibiotic's more serious side effects include infrequent urination, trouble breathing, hives, blisters and a rash.
Clindamycin is given in a capsule or liquid taken three to four times a day.
Tinidazole
Tinidazole is an antiprotozoal medication that may also be used to manage bacterial vaginosis. Normally, this medication treats trichomoniasis (another sexually transmitted disease), giardiasis (intestinal infection) and amebiasis (another intestinal infection).
MedlinePlus says that tinidazole's typical effects include constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue and stomach pain or cramps. Seizures, trouble breathing or swallowing, a rash, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet and swelling of the face, throat, eyes, hands, legs and tongue are just some of tinidazole's serious side effects.
Tinidazole is a liquid or tablet taken as one dose or for three to five days as prescribed.
