Dalacin cream

Dalacin cream is a prescription-only cream that is used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It contains 2% of the active ingredient clindamycin, which means that every gram of cream contains 20mg of clindamycin. This antibiotic is effective against the species of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis, which causes symptoms like:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• strong-smelling, fishy discharge
• grayish-white, thin, and watery vaginal discharge
• vaginal itching
• burning when urinating

Dalacin cream is a vaginal cream that is inserted inside the vagina using special applicators that are supplied with the cream. It is usually used if the first-line treatment for BV, metronidazole, has not worked or is not suitable.

The active ingredient in Dalacin cream, clindamycin, works by preventing the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis from producing new proteins. This stops them from being able to replicate or repair themselves, causing the bacteria to die and BV symptoms to improve.

Dalacin vaginal cream is effective against many of the different types of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis, like Gardnerella vaginalis and species of the bacterial family Mobiluncus. By killing off these “bad” species of bacteria, the “good” vaginal bacteria have a chance to regrow and restore a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Dalacin is an effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis, with 83% of people noticing a partial or total improvement in their BV symptoms a month after treatment.

How long does Dalacin vaginal cream take to work?

Dalacin cream starts working right away, but your symptoms might not improve immediately. Symptoms tend to get better after a few days of using the cream, but you should continue to use the cream for as long as you have been instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. This will make sure the infection is cleared.

The usual dose is 5 grams (which is one applicator full) and should be applied into the vagina every night at bedtime for 7 consecutive nights. Although a 7-day course is standard, some doctors may prescribe a shorter course. You should avoid using the cream during your period, as it may be less effective.

Instructions on how to use Dalacin cream for BV are as follows:

1. Wash your hands before applying the cream.
2. Remove the cap from the tube.
3. Screw one of the disposable plastic applicators supplied onto the tube where you’ve removed the cap. Holding the tube from the bottom, squeeze gently and force the cream into the applicator until the plunger stops.
4. The applicator should now be full. Unscrew it, and replace the cap on the tube.
5. Lie on your back, hold the applicator barrel, and insert it gently into your vagina as far as you can without causing discomfort.
6. Still holding the barrel, slowly push the plunger until it stops and all the cream has come out.
7. Remove the applicator and throw it away (ideally wrapped in toilet paper). Do not flush it down the toilet, and make sure you wash your hands when you’re finished.

Repeat this process every night with a new applicator. If you have administered too much Dalacin cream, speak to your doctor as this can lead to side effects.

Always use Dalacin cream as instructed by a healthcare professional. More information on how to administer Dalacin cream can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your treatment.

Most people use Dalacin cream without any problems, but it is possible to experience side effects when using this medication. Usually, side effects clear up over time and after stopping the medication.

The most common side effect is vaginal thrush (also known as candidiasis) which affects more than 1 in 10 people. Although thrush can cause discomfort, itching, and a cottage-cheese-like discharge, it usually improves by itself or can be treated with over-the-counter creams and pessaries.

Common side effects of Dalacin cream that affect between 1 in 10 and 100 people include:

• fungal infections
• headaches
• dizziness
• taste changes
• abdominal pain
• constipation or diarrhoea
• feeling or being sick
• upper respiratory infections (like a cough, cold, or sore throat)
• itching
• back pain
• urinary tract infections (UTIs), or sugar or proteins in the urine
• pain and inflammation in and around the vagina
• menstrual disorders and abnormal vaginal bleeding
• vaginal discharge changes

Uncommon side effects that affect between 1 in 100 and 1000 people include:

• bacterial infections
• hypersensitivity
• vertigo
• nosebleeds
• bloating or passing gas
• bad breath
• skin redness or rashes
• vaginal infections
• pelvic pain
• pain when urinating

What to do if you get Dalacin cream side effects

Although most side effects are mild and can be managed at home, if symptoms continue for more than a few days or you’re worried, it’s always best to seek help from a medical professional. If you have severe, ongoing diarrhoea, speak to your doctor as you may need to stop treatment.

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a severe allergic reaction to Dalacin cream that can lead to airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and even cause you to lose consciousness. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you or someone else must call 999 immediately.

Dalacin cream may not be right for everyone. Certain conditions or medications can interact with Dalacin cream and make it less effective, or potentially unsafe for you to use.

Who should avoid Dalacin cream?

Dalacin cream should not be used if you:

• are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the gut)

Dalacin cream should only be used under close supervision by your doctor if you take neuromuscular blocking agents, as it enhances the activity of these drugs, which can lead to overdose in some cases.

Considerations when taking Dalacin vaginal cream

It’s best to avoid putting anything else into the vagina during treatment with Dalacin, including tampons and douches, as this can interfere with treatment. Try not to use Dalacin cream during your period, as this can also make it less effective.

Clindamycin, the active ingredient in Dalacin cream, is known to weaken latex products like condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective. Do not rely on condoms or diaphragms as your only form of contraception during treatment and for 72 hours after.

Dalacin cream when pregnant or breastfeeding

Dalacin cream should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but may be used in the second and third trimesters in some cases. If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, speak to your doctor about taking this medication.

Clindamycin can be passed onto your baby through your milk if you are breastfeeding, so you should also discuss with your doctor whether to take this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

Dalacin cream is a prescription-only medication that is prescribed if a doctor thinks it’s suitable to treat your symptoms. You can get a Dalacin cream prescription (or for another brand of clindamycin intravaginal cream) from your GP, a sexual health clinic, or certain online services.

Can I buy Dalacin cream for BV online?

Yes, you can purchase Dalacin cream from a regulated online prescription service like Asda Online Doctor.

To order Dalacin cream from us, you will need to:

1. Fill in a medical questionnaire about your symptoms.
2. Then, a doctor will check if Dalacin cream is the right option for you and prescribe it.
3. Your treatment will then be sent quickly and discreetly to your door, or can be collected from your local Asda pharmacy.

Can I buy Dalacin cream over the counter?

No, Dalacin cream contains the antibiotic clindamycin and needs a prescription for you to buy it. It is not available to buy over the counter.

Dalacin cream is not the only treatment for BV. We also offer antibiotic tablets and gels for BV that contain the active ingredient metronidazole.

Metronidazole also works by stopping the bacteria that cause BV from multiplying and repairing themselves. It’s suitable for people with an allergy to clindamycin or who have not responded well to treatment with clindamycin.

Metronidazole gel

Zidoval is a branded metronidazole gel that is inserted into the vagina every night using an applicator in a similar way to Dalacin cream, but it’s taken for 5 days. It can effectively treat BV in 91% of people.

Metronidazole tablets

Metronidazole tablets are taken orally at a dose of 400mg once a day for 7 days, or as a single large dose of 2g to treat bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole is another effective BV treatment, curing symptoms in 90% of people.

If you’re not sure which is the best BV treatment option for you, the Asda online doctor team can advise you.

Fluomizin vaginal tablets

Fluomizin is a tablet that you directly insert into your vagina, it has been shown to help over 80% of people clear BV in 6 days.