References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Fluomizin is a vaginal tablet containing dequalinium chloride, used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It works as a local antiseptic, killing the bacteria causing the infection directly in the vagina without affecting the rest of your body. Unlike metronidazole, Fluomizin has no interactions with alcohol.
If you’ve been prescribed Fluomizin or are looking for a BV treatment that lets you carry on drinking normally, here’s how it works.
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What Does Fluomizin Treat?
Fluomizin is specifically indicated for bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It’s caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, where “bad” anaerobic bacteria overgrow and replace the healthy lactobacilli.
BV is not an STI, though sexual activity can trigger it. Symptoms include thin, greyish-white discharge with a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex.
How Does Fluomizin Work?
Dequalinium chloride is a broad-spectrum antiseptic that destroys bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes. Applied locally as a vaginal tablet, it kills the anaerobic bacteria causing BV without entering the bloodstream in significant amounts.
This local action means:
- Fewer systemic side effects than oral antibiotics
- No alcohol interaction (unlike metronidazole)
- No effect on gut flora
How to Use Fluomizin
- Insert one vaginal tablet deep into the vagina each night before bed
- Continue for 6 consecutive nights
- Use the tablet at bedtime so it stays in place overnight
- You may want to wear a panty liner as the tablet can cause mild discharge as it dissolves
- Do not use tampons, vaginal douches, or other intravaginal products during treatment
- Complete the full 6-day course even if symptoms improve earlier
How Effective Is Fluomizin?
Clinical studies show Fluomizin cures BV in approximately 80% of cases, comparable to oral metronidazole. A key advantage is the lower recurrence rate reported in some studies, possibly because the local antiseptic allows healthy lactobacilli to recolonise more quickly.
Fluomizin vs Metronidazole
| Feature | Fluomizin | Metronidazole (oral) |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Vaginal tablet, 6 nights | Oral tablets, 5-7 days |
| Alcohol interaction | None | Must avoid alcohol during + 48 hours after |
| Systemic side effects | Minimal (local action) | Nausea, metallic taste, headache |
| Effectiveness | ~80% | ~80-85% |
| Prescription required? | Yes | Yes |
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon and usually mild:
- Mild vaginal irritation or burning during the first 1-2 days
- Increased vaginal discharge (as the tablet dissolves)
- Rarely: allergic reaction (rash, swelling)
Can You Buy Fluomizin Over the Counter?
In some European countries, Fluomizin is available without prescription. In the UK, it currently requires a prescription from your GP, sexual health clinic, or online prescriber. This may change as regulations are reviewed.
Read more: What is BV? | Metronidazole
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have sex while using Fluomizin?
It’s best to avoid vaginal sex during the 6-day treatment. The tablet may not dissolve properly with sexual intercourse, and sex can disrupt the vaginal environment you’re trying to restore.
Can I use Fluomizin during pregnancy?
Fluomizin is considered safe in pregnancy and is sometimes specifically chosen for pregnant women because it works locally with minimal systemic absorption. Always confirm with your doctor or midwife.
Will Fluomizin treat thrush?
Fluomizin has some activity against candida, but it’s primarily indicated for BV. For thrush, fluconazole or clotrimazole are more appropriate treatments.
Related reading
- Using Antibiotics to Prevent STIs: DoxyPEP Explained
- Azithromycin: Uses in Sexual Health
- Best Antibiotics for STIs: A Practical Guide
- Ciprofloxacin for STIs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
- Clindamycin: Uses in Sexual Health
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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