Does metronidazole (Flagyl) cover Trichomoniasis?

From the Guidelines

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the recommended treatment for Trichomoniasis, with cure rates of approximately 90%-95%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, as reported in the study 1, state that metronidazole is the only oral medication available in the United States for the treatment of trichomoniasis.

Key Points

• Metronidazole has been shown to be effective in treating trichomoniasis, with cure rates of approximately 90%-95% 1.
• The recommended metronidazole regimens have resulted in relief of symptoms, microbiologic cure, and reduction of transmission 1.
• Ensuring treatment of sex partners might increase the cure rate, and both sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection 1.
• Metronidazole gel, on the other hand, is not recommended for the treatment of trichomoniasis, as it is considerably less efficacious than oral preparations of metronidazole 1.

Treatment Considerations

• The typical dosage of metronidazole for trichomoniasis is 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days or 2 grams as a single dose.
• It is essential to get proper treatment for trichomoniasis, as it is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause uncomfortable symptoms like vaginal discharge, itching, and pain during urination or sex.
• If you suspect you have trichomoniasis, you should see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than using other medications.

From the FDA Drug Label

Metronidazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic trichomoniasis in females and males when the presence of the trichomonad has been confirmed by appropriate laboratory procedures (wet smears and/or cultures)

Yes, metronidazole (Flagyl) covers Trichomoniasis, as it is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic trichomoniasis in both females and males 2.

• The treatment is recommended when the presence of the trichomonad has been confirmed by laboratory procedures.
• It is also indicated for the treatment of asymptomatic females when the organism is associated with endocervicitis, cervicitis, or cervical erosion.
• Asymptomatic sexual partners of treated patients should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection of the partner 2.

From the Research

Metronidazole Coverage for Trichomoniasis

• Metronidazole is effective in treating Trichomoniasis, with studies showing high cure rates 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole is currently the only licensed class of drugs available for treating Trichomoniasis, with metronidazole being the first-line treatment 3, 4, 5.
• The cure rates for metronidazole in treating Trichomoniasis have been reported as follows:
  • 80% to 90% in a study comparing vaginal suppositories and oral metronidazole 3.
  • 95% to 97.5% in a study comparing single-dose tinidazole and metronidazole 5.
  • 98.5% to 100% in a study comparing split-dose metronidazole and single-dose tinidazole 6.
• A 7-day dose of metronidazole has been shown to be more effective than a single dose, with a lower likelihood of treatment failure 4.
• Metronidazole resistance is a concern, and alternative treatments are being explored, including combination therapies and non-5-nitroimidazole drugs 7.