Vaginal discharge syndrome is diagnosed when a woman complains of vaginal discharge that is in excess of the usual or if it causes itching or discomfort. Women develop abnormal vaginal discharge if they have either vaginitis (infection of the vagina) or cervicitis (infection of the cervix), or both. Unfortunately, it is not easy to distinguish between cervicitis and vaginitis, especially when an internal examination is not possible. Often, it may be useful to treat the patient for both cervicitis and vaginitis if the diagnosis cannot be established for certain.

Treatment

Non-Drug treatment:

Provide education, promote the use of condoms and ask the patient to return in seven days if symptoms have not improved.

Drug Treatment

Ciprofloxacin, 500 mg p.o in a single dose

S/E: mild GI upset; rash and pruritus; hypersensititvity reactions including fever, joint pain, urticaria. Discontinue the drug if psychiatric. Neurological or severe hypersensitivity reactions occur.

C/I: renal impairment.

Dosage forms: Intra-venous infusion (as lactate) 2mg/ml in 50 ml and 100 ml bottle, Tablet (as hydrochloride), 250 mg.

OR

Spectinomycin, 2 gm by deep i.m. injection as a single dose.

(For S/E and dosage forms, see page 71).

PLUS

Doxycycline, 100 mg p.o. b.i.d. for 7 days.

(For S/E, C/I and dosage forms, see page 21).

OR

Metronidazole, 500 mg p.o. b.i.d. for 10 days.

(For S/E, C/I and dosage forms, see page 12)