History and Objectives: Bacterial vaginitis is one of the most prevalent vaginal infections diseases among females, which is related to various infections and diseases of lower urinary system. Since the prescription of metronidazole is prohibited during pregnancy while the use of ampicillin is allowed in this period, the present study would compare the effectiveness of ampicillin and metronidazole as therapeutic agent to treat infection among female patients referred to the Healthy and Hygiene Clinic of East Tehran (Shaheed Beheshti Medical University) in 1996.

Materials and Methods: A double blind clinical trial was performed on 51 non-pregnant sexually active females with bacterial vaginitis. Having 3 main features out of 4 for the bacterial vaginitis would confirm the diagnosis and if they did not have compounding effects on the diseases, they were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Ampicillin (500 mg/6hrs) was given to one of the groups while the other received metronidazole (500 mg/6hrs). Both groups received medication for 7 days. Clinical features of the treatment were assessed 2 weeks after the start of the therapy. Positive outcome of treatment was obtained if the patients possessed 2 of the criteria.

Results: Ampicillin and metronidazole had 80.8% and 84% rate of treatment respectively. None of the side effects of the drugs were so strong as to terminate the treatment.

Conclusion: Since equal effectiveness of the ampicillin and metronidazole in treatment of bacterial vaginitis is achieved, it is suggested that those who have poor tolerance to metronidazole treatment may receive ampicillin as an alternative.