In the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV), what is the effectiveness of metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 g in a single dose as opposed to the seven-day course?—JENNI DOSECK, NP-C, Botkins, Ohio
Current treatment recommendations for BV no longer include metronidazole 2 g as a single dose. The appropriate dose for oral metronidazole is 500 mg twice daily for seven days. Metronidazole is also available as a vaginal preparation for bedtime use on five consecutive nights. Other treatment options for BV include clindamycin vaginal ovules, clindamycin vaginal cream, and oral clindamycin tablets. For more information, see the CDC treatment guidelines (available at www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment/2006/vaginal-discharge.htm#vagdis2. Accessed October 12, 2009).—Lisa Stern, APRN (133-5)
