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

  • General Gynecology
  • Published:
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Andrea Rathmann-Schmitz, Ph.D. (Bonn, Germany) for her assistance in preparing the manuscript for publication, and MIOFARM export–import d.o.o. for donation of the necessary supply of octenidine hydrochloride/phenoxyethanol.

Conflict of interest statement

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Branimira Cosica 37, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia

    Aleksandra Novakov Mikic & Dragan Budakov

Authors
  1. Aleksandra Novakov Mikic
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  2. Dragan Budakov
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Correspondence to Aleksandra Novakov Mikic.

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Novakov Mikic, A., Budakov, D. Comparison of local metronidazole and a local antiseptic in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 282, 43–47 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1241-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1241-7

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