Bacterial Vaginosis (Antimicrobial) | Right Decisions

Right Decisions
TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
ADULT THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES
ANTIMICROBIAL GUIDANCE
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Genital tract (Antimicrobial)
Bacterial Vaginosis (Antimicrobial)

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Testing for bacterial vaginosis is with charcoal vaginal swab. Testing should be performed prior to treatment, especially if symptoms are persistent or recurrent.
Full STI screening is recommended, to include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis.
For problematic recurrent BV, refer to sexual health.
Oral metronidazole is cheaper and as effective as topical.
Provide general washing advice and smoking cessation.
Patient information is available here.

Drug details

Oral Metronidazole 400mg twice daily

5 to 7 days

OR Metronidazole 0·75% vaginal gel 5g applicatorful at night

5 nights

OR Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream 5g applicatorful at night

7 nights

Last reviewed: 27/02/2023

Next review date: 27/02/2026

Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team.

Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Alison Macdonald, Area Antimicrobial Pharmacist.

Document Id: AMT123