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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common condition caused by an overgrowth of natural bacteria in the vagina. When imbalanced, the bacteria causes symptoms like a thin, watery greyish-white discharge and a distinct, fishy odour which is more noticeable after sex.
For a highly effective treatment to clear symptoms quickly, metronidazole 400mg tablets are a clinically-proven first-line solution. At Quick Meds, you can request treatment online from our GPhC-regulated UK pharmacy following a short online consultation.
What Is Metronidazole 400mg Used For?
Whilst it is a common antibiotic used to treat various infections, at our online clinic, metronidazole 400mg is used as an oral option to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Metronidazole works by stopping the bacteria that causes symptoms from multiplying and growing. This allows the vagina’s bacterial flora to correct the natural balance, restoring a healthy pH level and resolving symptoms.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Metronidazole 400mg for BV?
When treating BV with oral antibiotics, it's important to follow your prescribers guidance and take the treatment exactly as advised, to make sure the infection is fully eradicated.
The standard, most effective regime is:
One 400mg tablet taken twice daily - usually in the morning and evening.
The routine must be continued consistently for 5 to 7 consecutive days.
How to take it
Always swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. To minimise side effects, it's recommended to take the dose after a meal or snack.
For more detailed information on managing your therapy, you can read our detailed treatment guide.
Can You Take 5 Metronidazole 400mg Tablets at Once for BV?
Sometimes, patients may need to take a single 2g dose of metronidazole, by taking five tablets at once, this is determined by your prescriber.
Whilst sometimes used as an alternate treatment, clinical guidelines favour the standard 5-7 day course of 400mg twice daily. The standard course has a lower rate of side effects and may also have a lower rate of infection recurrence.
Unless instructed by your prescriber, you should stick to the twice-daily 5 to 7 day regime.
How Long Do You Take Metronidazole 400mg For?
A standard treatment course for BV lasts between 5 and 7 days.
Though many patients may start to notice an improvement in symptoms by days 2 or 3 (particularly the fishy odour), it's important to keep on taking the treatment and complete the course.
Completing the course makes sure all bacteria are killed as, even if a small number of bacteria remain, these can eventually multiply again, and cause the infection to recur. There is also an added risk of the bacteria growing resistant to the antibiotic, making it more difficult to treat.
What Are The Side Effects of Metronidazole 400mg?
As with all medications, metronidazole can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own once the treatment has finished.
The most common side effects are:
A metallic taste in the mouth.
Nausea.
Mild stomach upset.
Loss of appetite.
Dark red-brown urine (harmless).
For a full breakdown of side effects and what to expect, read our detailed side effects guide.
Metronidazole and Alcohol
Metronidazole interacts with alcohol, causing a ‘disulfiram-like reaction’. Consuming even a small amount of alcohol whilst on metronidazole treatment can result in:
Intense nausea.
Vomiting.
Flushing.
Headaches.
Rapid heart rate.
For this reason, you must strictly avoid alcohol whilst taking the tablets or using the gel, and for at least 48 hours after finishing your course. For more information, please read our alcohol guide.
How Much Does Metronidazole Cost?
At Quick Meds, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. You can view our current pricing and complete our online consultation to buy metronidazole for BV today.
The cost is inclusive of treatment, clinical review and private prescription costs, with shipping calculated at checkout.
Buying Your BV Treatment Safely Online
If you are suffering from BV, you don’t need to wait for a face-to-face GP appointment. At Quick Meds, we offer a safe, secure and regulated service to get treatment delivered straight to you.
As a prescription-only (POM) medicine, you cannot buy it over the counter and must complete a consultation first.
Our process makes it easy:
Consultation - Complete an online consultation - this asks about your symptoms, your medical history and if you take other medication.
Checkout - Add preferred treatment to your basket and securely checkout.
Prescriber review. Our UK-based pharmacist prescribers will review your order for safety and suitability.
Dispatched. Approved orders are dispatched usually on the same day in plain, discreet packaging, directly to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Can I take metronidazole 400mg if I am pregnant?+−
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your GP or midwife before starting treatment. A healthcare professional must assess the risk-to-benefit ratio before initiating treatment.
What should I do if I miss a dose of metronidazole 400mg?+−
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Can I use tampons whilst taking oral metronidazole?+−
Yes, unlike vaginal gels, the tablets are absorbed systemically, so using tampons or your period will not affect how well the treatment works. However, for general vaginal health and comfort during an infection, many women prefer to use sanitary pads.
