Metronidazole Tablets for Bacterial Vaginosis

Yes. Metronidazole tablets are the first-choice treatment recommended by NICE for bacterial vaginosis. Most women find their symptoms clear within a few days of starting treatment.

If you would prefer a treatment you apply inside the vagina, metronidazole vaginal gel is another option.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy metronidazole 400mg tablets online.

BV usually causes a thin, white or grey discharge with a strong fishy smell, but often no itching. Thrush usually causes a thick, white discharge, like cottage cheese, with itching and soreness but no strong smell. BV is treated with an antibiotic, while thrush needs an antifungal treatment.

Both work well for BV. Tablets are taken by mouth twice a day, while the gel is applied inside the vagina once a day at bedtime. The gel may cause fewer stomach side effects. Your prescriber can help you decide which is best for you.

You cannot buy metronidazole over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy metronidazole for BV.

If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy metronidazole 400mg tablets through our online pharmacy with fast UK delivery.

You can order metronidazole 400mg tablets through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe metronidazole if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for metronidazole. If prescribed, you can order metronidazole online with fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

No. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, so male partners don’t need treatment. If you have a female partner, she may want to get checked if she has symptoms.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take one tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart. For instance, one in the morning and one in the evening.
• Take it with or just after food, which helps reduce nausea.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water – do not crush or chew them, as they taste bitter.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

For adults with BV, the usual dose is 400mg twice a day for 5 days – 10 tablets in total. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Many women notice their symptoms improve within 2 to 3 days. If your symptoms have not cleared by the end of your course, speak to a GP or sexual health clinic.

No. Do not drink alcohol while you use metronidazole and for at least 48 hours after your last dose. Alcohol can cause a bad reaction, with sickness, flushing, headache and a fast heartbeat.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your prescriber during your consultation. BV in pregnancy should be checked, so you may be advised to see your GP or midwife. Your prescriber will advise whether treatment through our service is right for you.

Metronidazole should not usually affect your ability to drive. But, some people feel dizzy, drowsy or confused. If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery.

Metronidazole does not affect the contraceptive pill directly. It also does not affect the emergency contraceptive pill. But, metronidazole can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some people.

If you’re vomiting or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, this may prevent your contraceptive pill from working. To find out what to do, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your contraceptive medication, speak to your doctor, or visit the NHS website for guidance.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. In particular, mention:

• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Lithium
• Phenytoin or phenobarbital, used for epilepsy
• Ciclosporin
• Disulfiram

BV comes back in many women within a few months of treatment. To lower your risk:

• Use water and plain soap to wash your genital area, and have showers instead of baths
• Do not use douches, vaginal washes or perfumed products
• Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear

If you get BV more than twice in 6 months, speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic.

Speak to a GP or sexual health clinic if you:

• Have pain in your lower tummy or pelvis, or a high temperature
• Have unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex or between periods
• Notice sores, blisters or lumps around your genitals
• Think you could have a sexually transmitted infection
• Are pregnant and have unusual discharge

These symptoms need to be checked in person rather than waiting for a delivery.