Medical Treatment

The treatment of choice is metronidazole (Flagyl), except in the first trimester of pregnancy, when clotrimazole is used topically. It is important not to drink alcohol while taking this drug (the combination can lead to abdominal pain and vomiting).

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

• A large single dose is as effective as longer term treatment, but increases the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
  
  
• Pills taken twice a day for 7 days is an alternative.

Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex-7) if pregnant and having symptoms

• Medicine is inserted into the vagina at night for 14 days.
  
  
• This will decrease symptoms, but the cure rate is only 20%.

Partners

• oBecause infected male partners often do not have any symptoms, they do not seek medical care. It is important, however, that your sexual partner is evaluated and treated. Otherwise you may become reinfected.
  
  
• Your partner will be given one large dose of metronidazole or may be treated for 7 days.
  
  
• Your doctor may not routinely write an additional prescription for your partner without evaluating him or her first.