Background: Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common infection disorders affecting women. Several types of antibiotics have been used to treat this condition, although metronidazole was found to be the most effective one, none was completely successful in either cure or prevention. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral clindamycin and oral metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Material and methods : Sixty women aged 16 years or older in whom bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed by standard criteria such as Amsel’s and gram’s stain criteria were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind study to receive either oral clindamycin (300mg twice daily for 7 days) or oral metronidazole (500mg twice daily for 7 days). Women with coexisting vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal trichomoniasis were excluded. Tests were repeated at 7^th and 14^th day following the therapy. Vaginal symptoms, complications, and drug side effects were all recorded.

Result : We have not found any statistically significant difference in cure rates for oral clindamycin (93.3%) and oral metronidazole (86.6%). Adverse reactions were mild in both groups. Four patients who have received clindamycin developed non-bloody diarrhea and 4 patients who were given metronidazole developed symptomatic candida vaginosis.

Conclusion : Clindamycin may be a safe and effective alternative to metronidazole to treat women with bacterial vaginosis.