Comparison of local metronidazole and a local antiseptic in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Author(s): Novakov Mikic A, Budakov D

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Branimira Cosica 37, Novi Sad, Serbia. aleksandranovakov@yahoo.com

Publication date & source: 2010-07, Arch Gynecol Obstet., 282(1):43-7. Epub 2009 Oct 7.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a mixed flora of pathogenic anaerobic bacteria and associated with risks of pathologic conditions. In the present study, therapy with a local antiseptic spray (octenidine hydrochloride/phenoxyethanol, OHP) for 7 or 14 days is compared against the standard local therapy of BV (metronidazole) in a Serbian patient population. METHODS: As much as 450 women were treated in groups with either 7 days metronidazole vaginal tablets, 7 days OHP, or 14 days OHP. Control smears were taken after each treatment period. RESULTS: In total, 63.2% of the women were without indications of BV after therapy (metronidazole: 61.0%, OHP 7 days: 57.6%, and OHP 14 days: 71.0%). Significantly fewer women were affected from infections after treatment with 14 days OHP compared to OHP for 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Octenidine hydrochloride/phenoxyethanol spray was as effective as the standard therapy with metronidazole. Patients stated that OHP was more comfortable, easier to apply, and side effects were lesser.