GPhC Registered: 9012621
Metronidazole Tablets for Bacterial Vaginosis
Metronidazole Tablets for Bacterial Vaginosis
• Antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis
• Tablet treatment if clinically appropriate
• Prescription-only medicine following online assessment
• Discreet, regulated service with delivery available
Want your order delivered as soon as possible?
Order before 3pm for next working day delivery (Mon-Fri).
Experienced UK-registered prescribers
Owned by qualified doctors
2-minute consultation
UK-wide express delivery
About the product
What is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. In bacterial vaginosis, it is used to help restore the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and reduce symptoms such as unusual discharge and odour.
This product page refers to metronidazole tablets supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.
How does Metronidazole work?
Metronidazole works by damaging the DNA of susceptible anaerobic bacteria and other microorganisms. In bacterial vaginosis, it helps reduce the overgrowth of bacteria linked to the condition and supports recovery of the normal vaginal environment.
What is Metronidazole used for on this page?
On this product page, metronidazole tablets are used specifically for:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Symptoms such as thin white or grey discharge and a fishy vaginal odour where bacterial vaginosis is suspected
It is not used here for:
- Vaginal thrush
- Trichomonas infection without appropriate assessment
- Pelvic infection needing urgent face-to-face assessment
Your prescriber will confirm metronidazole is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are using.
Who may be suitable for Metronidazole?
You may be suitable if:
- You have symptoms consistent with bacterial vaginosis
- Your symptoms fit a pattern where antibiotic treatment is appropriate
- You are able to take tablets and complete the full course
Your prescriber will consider:
- Your symptom pattern and how long symptoms have been present
- Whether you have vaginal odour, thin discharge or other features typical of bacterial vaginosis
- Whether there are red-flag symptoms suggesting another cause
- Any other medicines or health conditions you have
before deciding if metronidazole is suitable for you.
Who should not use Metronidazole or needs medical advice first?
Do not use without medical advice if you:
- Are allergic to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole antibiotics
- Have severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, vaginal bleeding, ulcers, blisters or other symptoms needing further assessment
- Have been told you have serious liver disease without checking suitability first
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding without checking suitability first
- Are not sure whether your symptoms are bacterial vaginosis rather than another cause
Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:
- Have liver problems
- Have a neurological condition
- Are taking warfarin, lithium, phenytoin, ciclosporin or other medicines that may interact
- Have recurrent or persistent symptoms
- Have symptoms that could suggest a sexually transmitted infection
How do I take Metronidazole?
Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions.
Practical advice:
- Take it at evenly spaced times through the day
- Swallow with water
- It can be taken with or after food if needed
- Finish the full course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional
If your symptoms get worse, do not improve, or you become more unwell during treatment, seek medical advice.
General self-care advice
- Avoid using perfumed soaps, bubble baths or vaginal washes
- Avoid vaginal douching
- Keep the genital area clean and dry
- If symptoms return repeatedly, further review may be needed
- If there is any concern about sexually transmitted infection, arrange appropriate assessment
Side effects and when to get help
Common side effects can include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness and a metallic taste in the mouth. These are often mild.
Seek medical advice urgently if you develop severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, numbness, tingling, seizures, or signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the medicine.
How it works
Online consultation
Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.
Clinical review
A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.
Receive your prescription
If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.
Delivery Information
Royal Mail Tracked 24
1–2 working days
£3.99
Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95
Discreet Packaging
All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people notice improvement within a few days, but it can take longer for symptoms to fully settle. It is important to complete the course as directed.
No antibiotic works instantly. Symptoms such as odour and discharge usually improve over several days as the treatment starts to work.
If your symptoms do not improve, if they worsen, or if you become more unwell, seek further medical advice. You may need reassessment or a different treatment.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 48 hours after finishing the course, as it can make you feel very unwell.
Take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.
Many people can use simple pain relief alongside antibiotics if suitable for them. Check the product information and avoid anything that is not suitable for your own health conditions.
Not all vaginal symptoms are caused by bacterial vaginosis, and some symptoms need further assessment. A consultation helps check whether an antibiotic is likely to be appropriate and whether there are any warning signs.
Seek review if symptoms do not improve, if they worsen, if you develop pelvic pain, fever, bleeding, sores, or if you are not sure the treatment is suiting you.
No. This information supports, but does not replace, advice from your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the directions on your prescription and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Regulated and Safe
General Pharmaceutical Council
My Chemist Plus is registered and regulated by the GPhC, who are the official body that regulates and inspects all pharmacies in the UK. They are responsible to ensure we provide the highest standards in care.
LegitScript certification
My Chemist Plus is certified by Legit Script, who monitors online pharmacies to evaluate compliance, adherence and licensing to regulation.