ABSTRACT
Until recently, vaginal preparations on the market were restricted to those that were topically effective for localized treatment of a variety of conditions. Preparations for local delivery include:
Anti-infectives These include antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antichlamydial and antiviral agents. Vaginitis is
responsible for a large proportion of outpatient gynecologic visits. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, offensive odor, itching, and vaginal irritation. Three etiologies account for over 90% of the cases: trichomonas (25%), Candida (Candida albicans, yeast) (25%), and bacterial vaginosis (40%). Metronidazole and other 5-nitroimidazoles (tinidazole, ornidazole) are used in the treatment of trichomonas. Vaginal yeast infections (candida) are treated primarily with antifungal imidazole drugs (clotrimazole, econazole, isoconazole and miconazole).
