Anaerobic vaginosis: treatment with tinidazole vaginal tablets

A prospective randomized trial comprising 90 patients was undertaken to evaluate three different regimens of tinidazole in the treatment of anaerobic vaginosis. Each group consisted of 30 women. The three regimens were: (A) oral tinidazole (150 mg X 2) for 7 days, (B) same oral treatment as above but also the partner received 500 mg X 2 for 4 days, and (C) intravaginal tinidazole (500 mg) at bedtime for 2 weeks. After clinical diagnosis and treatment the patients were reassessed at 1 and 3 months. The overall cure rate was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in group C than in the other groups. After 3 months, 70% of the cases in group C were asymptomatic, while in the other groups the rate was 42 and 43%, respectively. The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) played an important role in the etiology of relapses and also in the decreased cure rates particularly seen in groups A and B. Among the women in group C using an IUCD, 80% were cured, while in groups A and B only 30 and 29% were cured. All regimens were well tolerated. The treatment of anaerobic vaginosis with vaginal tinidazole was effective and particularly useful if an IUCD was in concurrent use.