Bacterial vaginosis (BV) stands as one of the most prevalent gynecological conditions affecting women worldwide, characterized by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. While healthcare experts have traditionally employed established treatments, exploring alternative options remains an area of interest in the medical community. Can Nitrofurantoin treat BV? This article discusses using Nitrofurantoin for BV treatment, differences between yeast infections and BV, expected drug interactions, and more.
What Is Nitrofurantoin Used For?
Nitrofurantoin is a synthetic antibiotic developed in 1953 that focuses explicitly on treating uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). The medicine’s unique composition enables it to combat both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms effectively.
A unique benefit of Nitrofurantoin is its ability to concentrate in the lower urinary tract with minimal impact on the serum concentration or bowel flora.
This is a crucial advantage given that a urinary tract infection commonly results from bacteria ascending the urinary tract from a fecal reservoir.
Researchers speculate that Nitrofurantoin’s negligible effect on bowel flora contributes to its sustained effectiveness and low resistance patterns.
The spectrum of Nitrofurantoin’s antibacterial activity is relatively broad. The medicine is available in capsules, tablets, and liquid, and a patient needs a prescription.
Can Nitrofurantoin Treat BV?
While Nitrofurantoin has proven effective in treating UTIs, it’s not a first-line defense for BVs. Can Nitrofurantoin treat BV? The notion that Nitrofurantoin may still hold potential in BV treatment is based on its broad antibacterial activity and limited impact on bowel flora, which could make it effective against the imbalanced vaginal microbiota characteristic of BV.
However, this notion requires more rigorous, large-scale studies to validate potential applications and determine the optimal dosage and duration of nitrofurantoin treatment for BV.
What Is BV?
Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the typical bacteria present in the vagina. This imbalance is characterized by a shift in the dominant bacterial species and a subsequent surge in the total bacterial population.
The exact trigger of BV remains uncertain, but experts believe that the onset is triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis, which establishes a biofilm facilitating the growth of other opportunistic bacteria within the vagina.
Women diagnosed with BV are more susceptible to contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For those who are pregnant, there is an increased risk of premature birth.
The increased risk of acquiring other STIs in individuals with BV is attributed to the potential for other vaginal pathogens to infiltrate the upper genital tract.
Further, BV contributes to the presence of enzymes that impair the ability of host leukocytes to combat infection and stimulate the release of endotoxins that promote cytokine and prostaglandin production within the vagina.
BV is prevalent in women of reproductive age, impacting approximately 5% to 70% of women.
Is Nitrofurantoin a Strong Antibiotic?
Nitrofurantoin is indeed a potent antibiotic, specifically in the treatment of UTIs.
Even though it only eliminates a limited range of bacteria, Nitrofurantoin is a potent antibiotic because it is highly effective against these bacteria, primarily those causing UTIs.
A professional healthcare expert must prescribe the antibiotic and dosage based on your medical condition and history.
How Does Nitrofurantoin Work?
Despite being discovered in the 1940s, Nitrofurantoin’s exact method of action still needs to be discovered. Nitrofurantoin primarily works through multiple mechanisms that result in an antimicrobial effect.
The process begins when intracellular flavoproteins in bacteria absorb Nitrofurantoin, which is then converted into reactive intermediates that bind with bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting bacterial enzymes that play crucial roles in cell wall protein synthesis, RNA, DNA, and other metabolic enzymes.
Nitrofurantoin primarily treats and is used to prevent UTIs because of its ability to concentrate in the bladder, keeping serum concentrations low, and its lack of significant impact on bowel flora.
Upon ingestion, your body rapidly processes Nitrofurantoin, transitioning from your bloodstream into your bladder.
This attribute ensures that the medication is directly delivered to the infection site. However, this specificity implies that Nitrofurantoin is ineffective in treating other forms of infection as it doesn’t stay in the bloodstream.
Which Symptoms Are Typical for BV?
Identifying BV can be challenging as the condition can have no noticeable symptoms. However, many affected individuals report experiencing certain signs, including the following:
Vaginal Discharge: The discharge associated with BV is usually thin and gray, green, or white.
Odor: The discharge also tends to have a strong, fishy odor.
Itching: Some individuals with BV may experience itching and burning in the vaginal area.
Discomfort During Urination: As BV can irritate the vaginal tissue, urinating can become uncomfortable or painful.
BV and Pregnancy
The U.S. CDC reports that BV affects one million expectant mothers annually. Pregnancy amplifies the risk for BV due to hormonal fluctuations inherent to the gestation period.
Bearing a child while having BV escalates the risk of low birth weight and premature childbirth. Babies delivered prematurely or with low birth weight are prone to health complications.
Furthermore, BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection within the womb that may heighten the risk of infertility and the inability to conceive or become pregnant.
Treatment Options for Bacterial Vaginosis
About 30% of bacterial vaginosis cases resolve without treatment. However, since BV is a bacterial infection, healthcare experts may prescribe various antibiotics to alleviate BV symptoms, including the following:
- Metronidazole
- Clindamycin
- Tinidazole
- Secnidazole
When taking antibiotics to treat BV, following the prescribed course and completing the entire treatment course is vital. Failure to do so may result in recurring or persistent symptoms and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Besides antibiotics, some also rely on other remedies, such as the following:
Probiotics: When treating BV with antibiotics, these medicines eradicate harmful and good bacteria in the body. To replenish the population of good bacteria, one might consider integrating probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, into their diet.
Garlic: Garlic, renowned for its potent antibacterial attributes, has historically been utilized as a therapy for BV. For addressing BV, experts suggest oral ingestion, as taking it vaginally can irritate and burn the vaginal tissues.
Boric Acid Suppository: Boric acid is typically effective in treating BV and vaginal candidiasis, with mild adverse effects. However, it is not meant for ingestion as it is toxic if consumed. Therefore, you should store it safely out of reach of children and pets.
Can a Woman Douche To Cure BV?
“Douching” refers to the practice of washing or cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids, typically via a douche kit that sprays the liquid. Some women turn to douching to eliminate unpleasant odors, prevent pregnancy, wash away menstrual blood, or avoid STIs.
Despite its intention for cleanliness, douching is not a treatment for BV. The vagina has its self-cleaning mechanism, and douching can distort the natural balance of healthy bacteria, possibly leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and an increased risk of BV.
Can Nitrofurantoin treat BV effectively?
Again, Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat UTIs, not BV. However, since Nitrofurantoin is known to be effective against several types of bacteria, some may prescribe it for BV if other antibiotics fail. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of Nitrofurantoin in treating BV has yet to be extensively studied, and evidence supporting its use is limited.
What are the standard doses of Nitrofurantoin for BV?
Nitrofurantoin is exclusively administered orally and is available in different forms and brands, including the following:
- Furadantin® Oral Suspension
- Macrobid®
- Macrodantin®
The advised dosage is 100 mg, administered twice daily for five days to treat lower UTIs. An alternative regimen of 100 mg twice daily over seven days is also acceptable.
Experts said any dosage less than a five-day course has proven less effective. Moreover, medical experts recommend a nightly dose of 50 to 100 mg as a long-term preventive measure against UTIs.
Regarding BV, the dosage of Nitrofurantoin may vary, depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
A medical professional prescribes the most suitable dose for each case.
Can Nitrofurantoin Cause Side Effects?
Nitrofurantoin may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn or gas, hair loss, and headache. However, some side effects can be severe, requiring emergency treatment. Such side effects include the following:
- Fever or chills
- Numbness, tingling, or pinprick sensation in the fingers and toes
- Muscle weakness
- Rashes
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Pain or discomfort in the right upper stomach
- Dizziness
- Paleness
- Severe diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Confusion
- Eye pain or vision changes
How To Take Nitrofurantoin for BV
Administer Nitrofurantoin orally with meals or milk, per your doctor’s instructions. Refrain from using antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, as the two may interact and inhibit complete absorption.
Your infection and reaction to treatment will determine the recommended dosage and duration.
For optimal outcomes, consume this antibiotic at regular intervals. Only discontinue this medication with your doctor’s approval.
When To See a Doctor
BV can cause discomfort and embarrassment, but it is always best to seek medical attention. Leaving BV untreated may lead to serious health complications, so if you have concerns, consult with your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Experts don’t recommend self-diagnosis and self-treatment, especially when treating bacterial infections. Doctor Alexa allows you to experience world-class medical services in a way tailored to your convenience. You can book an online consultation here.
If you experience any of the following, make an appointment with your doctor immediately:
Unusual Smell or Discharge
An unusual smell or discharge from the vagina often signals an imbalance in the vaginal flora and is one of the hallmark symptoms of BV.
The discharge can be gray, green, or white and thin, often accompanied by a strong, fishy odor.
This smell or discharge is discomforting and can indicate other potential health issues, such as yeast infections or STIs.
History of Vaginal Infections
If you have a history of vaginal infections, it’s crucial to see a doctor because recurring infections could indicate an underlying health condition.
Secondly, incorrect self-diagnosis and treatment can exacerbate the problem.
Moreover, certain vaginal infections can increase the risk of acquiring STIs. Therefore, medical consultation is necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment and prevent further health issues.
New or Different Sex Partners
If you have started having sex with a new partner or multiple partners and you notice changes in your vaginal health, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare expert.
BV can often resemble other infections like STIs. Consulting your doctor will help you correctly identify and treat your condition.
Ineffective Self-Treatment
Self-treatment based on symptoms alone may not address the actual cause of the infection, potentially allowing it to worsen.
Furthermore, some diseases can mimic the symptoms of others, making accurate self-diagnosis difficult.
In such cases, only appropriate medical treatment can combat the infection effectively and prevent further complications.
Read also: Nitrofurantoin Generic Name vs Brand Names
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, treating both UTI and BV simultaneously is possible. However, they require different types of antibiotics. A typical antibiotic used for UTIs, like Nitrofurantoin, won’t eliminate G. vaginalis, which causes BV.
Macrobid is Nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic that treats bladder infections. While there’s a possibility it can help with BV, there are more effective treatments available specifically for BV. It’s best to consult a healthcare expert for proper diagnosis and treatment of any vaginal infections.
Common antibiotics prescribed for BV include metronidazole, clindamycin, tinidazole, and secnidazole. These antibiotics work by killing the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Healthcare providers can prescribe Nitrofurantoin for UTIs, cystitis, pyelonephritis, and prostatitis, depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Generally, Nitrofurantoin inhibits bacterial growth and kills the bacteria responsible for the disease.
Some antibiotics used for treating UTIs may treat BV, but they are not explicitly designed to treat this condition. It’s crucial to seek medical advice and get the proper diagnosis and treatment for UTIs and BV.
