Itching, burning, pain during intercourse, uncharacteristic discharge can be a sign of bacterial vaginitis. The disease not only significantly worsens the quality of life of a woman, but also in the absence of adequate treatment threatens serious complications. An effective and proven remedy for the treatment of this ailment is the Metronidazole suppository, which is described in detail in this article.

Composition, release form and packaging

The active substance of the drug is metronidazole. One of its most prescribed forms in gynecology is suppository (suppository) for vaginal administration. Suppositories are a special dosage form that remains solid at room temperature and becomes liquid at body temperature.

 

One Metronidazole suppository may contain 100, 250 or 500 mg of the active ingredient. The composition of excipients may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. In addition to metronidazole, suppositories contain a special mass in which fats, macrogol and other substances necessary for shaping may be present.

The suppositories are torpedo-shaped, have a white or yellowish color. A thin hollow core or funnel may be visible on the cut. Candles are placed in the contour packaging of foil or plastic. Secondary packaging - a cardboard box containing 10 suppositories.

Also, Metronidazole exists in the following dosage forms:

  • tablets for intravaginal administration;
  • tablets for oral administration;
  • liquid form (solution for droppers);
  • gel (for external or intravaginal use).

The variety of dosage forms of the drug is due to its active use in the treatment of infectious diseases of various organs. Gels with metronidazole are often prescribed in dentistry, dermatology, gynecology. Using a liquid form, they treat infections of the digestive system, lungs, soft tissues, peritonitis and others.

Pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics

Metronidazole (the active substance of the drug) refers to antimicrobial and antiprotozoal agents. This means that it has a detrimental effect not only on bacteria, but also on protozoa (pathogens of trichomoniasis, giardia and pathogenic amoeba).

Metronidazole has been known for quite some time. It was obtained in the middle of the 20th century and was used mainly as an anti-trichomonas drug. The antimicrobial properties of the substance became known by chance when a patient taking the medicine simultaneously cured of gum disease.

Metronidazole is a broad-spectrum drug. Its main component reacts with the DNA of the pathogen, disrupting the formation of nucleic acids in the cell, which causes the death of the pathogen.
The drug exhibits a pronounced effect against the following pathogens:

  • Trichomonas vaginalis;
  • Gardnerella vaginalis;
  • Giardia lamblia;
  • Entamoeba histolytica;
  • gram-negative and certain gram-positive anaerobic bacteria.

With intravaginal administration, the connection of the active substance with blood proteins is less than 20%. The drug passes the placental barrier and is found in breast milk, is biotransformed in the liver, excreted by the urinary system. The maximum concentration of the drug is noted 6-12 hours after administration.

What is vaginal suppository prescribed for?

Suppositories "Metronidazole" in gynecology is used quite often. It is used for the complex treatment of vaginal inflammation and urethritis caused by pathogens susceptible to metronidazole.
The most sought after remedy for trichomoniasis. Together with antiprotozoal medicines for internal use, Metronidazole suppositories effectively defeat the disease in a short time, exerting a local effect.

The medicine should be used only as prescribed by the doctor based on the results of a bacteriological study of the vaginal smear.

Instructions for use in gynecology

It is important to remember that independent treatment with Metronidazole suppositories is unacceptable, since without determining the type of pathogen, such therapy can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous. Unreasonable use of an antimicrobial drug can aggravate the course of infection.

Apply candles vaginally. Before use, wash your hands and remove the contour packaging from the candle. The suppository is administered lying on the back, deep into the vagina. After use, it is advisable to maintain a horizontal position for 20-30 minutes in order to avoid significant loss of medication. During therapy, it is recommended to use daily sanitary pads and to avoid sexual intercourse.
Dosage and frequency of administration are established by a specialist based on the characteristics of the course of the disease. Usually, 1 suppository is prescribed twice a day, preferably every 12 hours. Treatment lasts from a week to 10 days.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Candles "Metronidazole" is strictly contraindicated in the first three months of bearing a child. Further, they can be prescribed only in extreme situations, when the predicted positive effect for the expectant mother is higher than the degree of risk to the fetus.

Since the medicine passes into breast milk, natural feeding should be discontinued for the entire period of its use. Return to breastfeeding is allowed no earlier than two days after completion of the course.

Drug interaction

According to the official instructions for use, during the period of treatment with Metronidazole, alcohol is unacceptable, since the drug causes intolerance to alcohol. Oddly enough, in certain sources you can find information about the use of metronidazole in the treatment of alcoholism.

In addition, you should not combine the drug with the following medicines:

  • Disulfiram (reception together with metronidazole can cause mental disorders);
  • drugs that inhibit blood coagulation (antimicrobial enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants, including warfarin);
  • barbiturates (weaken the antimicrobial effect);
  • Cimetidine (increases the likelihood of adverse reactions of metronidazole);
  • lithium preparations (antiprotozoal increases their content in the blood).

 

If you need to take these drugs during treatment with Metronidazole, you need to visit a doctor to adjust the treatment tactics.

The use of funds with antibacterial and other antimicrobials is justified and appropriate, because in combination with these drugs, Metronidazole suppositories have a more pronounced effect.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

"Metronidazole", like most antimicrobials, has a number of limitations to the appointment:

  • age up to 18 years;
  • first trimester of pregnancy;
  • a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (now and in the past);
  • certain diseases of the nervous system (including epilepsy);
  • liver failure;
  • individual intolerance to the components.

 

In certain cases, vaginal suppositories "Metronidazole" can cause some undesirable effects:

  • local reactions: itching, discomfort, vaginal soreness, viscous discharge of white color (with or without smell), thrush (after the suppository is canceled), frequent urination, burning and irritation of the penis of the partner;
  • allergic manifestations: urticaria, itching and redness of the skin;
  • from the nervous system: headaches, dizziness (when engaging in activities requiring a high concentration of attention, caution must be exercised during therapy);
  • on the part of the digestive system: dyspeptic symptoms, stool disorders, abdominal pain, taste perversion, metal taste in the oral cavity, loss of appetite;
  • changes in blood composition: a decrease or increase in white blood cell count;
  • rarely - urine of brick color (due to the appearance in it of a pigment formed during the breakdown of metronidazole).

Signs of an overdose are nausea, vomiting, and movement disorder. In this case, symptomatic therapy is carried out and measures are taken to prevent negative effects on the body.

Analogs of vaginal suppositories

Candles "Metronidazole" have many complete analogues. They are produced in various countries and contain the same active substance.

Analogues of the drug include the following agents for intravaginal administration:

  • Candles "Trichosept", "Metrovagin", "Metronidazole-Altpharm" (Russia);
  • "Trichopolum", vaginal tablets (Poland);
  • Flagil, suppositories (France);
  • "Metrogil", vaginal gel (India);
  • "Metronidazole", vaginal gel (Russia).

In addition, metronidazole is an antimicrobial component of combination drugs for topical treatment of mixed vaginitis. The most famous and effective means of this group are:

  • Klion D, vaginal tablets;
  • Neo-Penotran Forte L, vaginal suppositories;
  • Neo-Penotran Forte, vaginal suppositories;
  • Vagisept, vaginal suppositories.

It is important to remember that even the most effective drug for eliminating inflammation of the vagina can be useless if applied without appropriate analysis and medical advice. Therefore, when unpleasant symptoms of vaginitis appear (itching, discomfort, uncharacteristic discharge), you should consult a specialist.

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