Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in the vagina possibly caused by one of the several bacteriologic agents, such as Gardnerella and Trichomonas. It can be controlled through consuming lactobacilli-containing food products. It is still important however, to visit the doctor because it normally recurs after three to twelve months. The side effects of popular medications for bacterial vaginosis are usually caused either by another chemical or failure to follow the proper time and amount of intake of the drugs. Metronidazole, clindamycin, and tinidazole are the three most prescribed antibiotics in treating bacterial vaginosis.
Metronidazole is the most commonly used oral and topical treatment for bacterial infections. It is prohibited to consume alcohol at least three days after metronidazole intake to prevent the possible side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, redness and warmth under the skin, tingles, and palpitations. Extreme caution should be taken with food, medicine, and beverages which might also contain alcohol.
The doctor should also be informed if the patient has allergies, is in her third trimester of pregnancy or is experiencing complications such as liver disease, seizure, Crohn’s disease, nerve disorder or blood cell disorder, so that the doctor can prescribe the most suitable medicine.
Pain or burning sensation during urination, numb feet, sores within the mouth or on the lips, watery or bloody diarrhea, nerve-related reactions (e.g. chills), vision problems, and severe skin reactions are few of the serious side effects of metronidazole. Less serious side effects include vaginal itching, stomach pain, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Clindamycin is an alternative topically-applied antibiotic for bacterial vaginosis. It has the same common side effects as Metronidazole. It has the same serious side effects as metronidazole. In addition, other side effects include: epistaxis, jaundice, dark urine, and lesser amount of urine. These side effects may affect the gastrointestinal tract, skin, mucous membranes, liver, blood cells, and urinary, musculoskeletal, and immune system.
Tinidazole is also a recommended oral antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis. The precautions for clindamycin and metronidazole are the same as with tinidazole. This also has the same serious and less serious side effects as metronidazole. However, this drug is the least recommended for treatment because this caused cancer in laboratory animals. It is still not confirmed whether it can cause the same for humans but it is not prescribed as much as possible just to be on the safe side.
The side effects of popular medications for bacterial vaginosis can be prevented by strictly following the doctor’s instructions in taking the drugs. Skipping can worsen bacterial infection and ending the treatment earlier than schedule can lead to the recurrence of the infection.
The amount of drug to be taken should be in exact amount. Less dose or overdose can lead to more complicated infections. These drugs should be taken whole, not crushed, chewed, or broken for these can affect the proper drug distribution in the body. Intake in full stomach or not should also be noted.
Sometimes, blood tests are required for the monitoring of the possible harmful effects of the drug.
If these side effects occur or if there are any other unexpected reactions, immediately inform the doctor or visit the clinic for check up. If the reactions are serious, call the doctor or the emergency hotline for immediate assistance.
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