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The minimum single oral metronidazole dose for treating trichomoniasis: a randomized, blinded study
M R Spence1, T S Harwell, M C Davies
1Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
A single 1.5-g dose of metronidazole is as effective as a 2-g dose for treating trichomoniasis (T. vaginalis vaginitis). This finding identifies the minimum effective dose for this common sexually transmitted infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gynecology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection.
- Metronidazole is a common treatment, but optimal dosing requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the minimum effective single oral dose of metronidazole for treating trichomoniasis.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind study involved women diagnosed with T. vaginalis vaginitis.
- Participants received single oral doses of 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 g of metronidazole.
- Treatment success was assessed by negative microscopy and culture at follow-up.
Main Results:
- Treatment success rates were 35% for 0.5 g, 62% for 1 g, 85% for 1.5 g, and 84% for 2 g.
- Vomiting occurred in 1.8% of participants; 40% were lost to follow-up.
- The 1.5-g dose demonstrated high efficacy, comparable to the 2-g dose.
Conclusions:
- A single 1.5-g oral dose of metronidazole is an effective treatment for T. vaginalis vaginitis.
- This dose offers equivalent efficacy to the 2-g dose, suggesting it as a potential minimum effective dose.