Dalacin Cream

Dalacin cream is a vaginal cream used to treat gardnerella vaginosis, otherwise known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a common bacterial infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. It causes a strong odour and unusual vaginal discharge but can often be confused for similar vaginal infections such as thrush (a fungal infection caused by yeast).

Contrary to common belief, BV is not an STI as it does not affect men and cannot be transferred through sexual intercourse from a woman to a man. However, it can be transmitted from one woman to another in same-sex relationships. Some women can experience recurrent bouts of BV but a course of antibiotic treatment in the form of cream or tablets, such as Metronidazole, effectively treats the condition and any additional bouts.

You can buy Dalacin cream for the treatment of BV here at euroClinix on prescription. All you have to do is fill out a short questionnaire which will be assessed by one of our registered online doctors, who will then check your suitability.

Dalacin cream contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate, an antibiotic. It works by preventing the bacteria in the vagina from producing essential proteins. Without the production of these proteins, the bacteria cannot grow or reproduce so the remaining bacteria either die or are naturally destroyed by the immune system as it fights the infection.

It’s important to note that most of our body parts have different bacteria, some beneficial and some not. The vagina in particular has a delicate balance of good bacteria, known as lactobacilli, and bad bacteria known as anaerobes. Usually, the lactobacilli produce lactic acid, making the vagina slightly acidic to limit the growth of bad bacteria. When lactobacilli levels are lower, there is an overgrowth of the anaerobic bacteria that then causes BV.

Dalacin cream is suitable for most adult women. However, it is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because it can very rarely have complications for your baby and the antibiotic can be transferred to the baby through breast milk. If you are also prone to develop diarrhoea when taking antibiotics or have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), you should inform your prescriber before using Dalacin cream. This is because antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria. If you have other medical conditions, you should always speak to your doctor before using this medication.

You should not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or any of the inactive ingredients including but not limited to benzyl alcohol, sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, cetostearyl alcohol, stearic acid and liquid paraffin. For a full list of ingredients, please refer to the patient information leaflet that is available for download on this page. A physical copy will also be in the box with your medication.

Because of Dalacin cream being a topical form of antibiotic, it does not react with many medications. However, you should always mention if you are taking any other medication, whether it was prescribed or purchased over the counter.

You should notify your doctor in particular if you are taking any other antibiotics such as erythromycin or lincomycin. In addition, you should mention whether you take warfarin or any medicines to thin the blood as you may be more likely to have a bleed. If you are not sure on what medications you take, you should speak to your GP.

Dalacin cream must be applied with an applicator that you use to insert the cream through your vagina and into your cervix. In the box with your medication, you should receive several disposable applicators. The usual dose is one applicator-full once a day for 7 consecutive days, each applicator holds approximately 5 grams of the cream.

Diagrams are included in the patient information leaflet as well as step-by-step instructions if you’re not sure how to administer the treatment. The steps to administer the treatment are as follows:

1. Wash your hands before handling the applicators or cream
2. Remove the lid from the tube of cream
3. Screw one of the disposable applicators into the tube where the lid was
4. Gently squeeze the bottom of the tube and force the cream into the applicator
5. When the plunger stops moving, the applicator is full
6. Unscrew the applicator and replace the lid on the tube
7. Lie on your back, and firmly grasp the applicator
8. Insert the applicator gently into your vagina as far as possible without causing discomfort
9. Whilst still holding the applicator, slowly push the plunger until it stops moving and all the cream has been expelled
10. Carefully remove the applicator and dispose of it

You may start to feel better after a couple of days, however it’s important to continue using the cream until you finish the full course as prescribed to ensure treatment success. If you forget a dose and you realise a few hours after, you can take your missed dose straight away. However if it’s nearly time for your next dose, do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose and wait until your next usual dose.

As with any prescription medication, using Dalacin cream can result in some side effects. The most common side effects are mild but even severe side effects are incredibly rare (affecting 1 in 1000 people). Common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 people) include:

There are several more uncommon symptoms (affecting 1 in 100 people) that may include stomach problems such as constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, wind, diarrhoea as well as nausea and vomiting. For a comprehensive list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

If you experience persistent bloody diarrhoea and a fever it may indicate a stomach infection or bowel inflammation (pseudomembranous colitis) which can occur after taking antibiotics. If you experience a measle-like rash or hives during treatment, it may signal an allergic reaction. Both of these cases are incredibly rare but if you do experience any severe symptoms from using Dalacin cream, seek immediate medical advice.

There are certain things you need to be aware of before and whilst using Dalacin cream.

Firstly, you should avoid having sex whilst you have an active bout of BV. This is because sex can make BV symptoms worse and it can also be transmitted to another woman in same-sex relationships. If you do have sex, you should be aware that Dalacin cream can alter the effectiveness of barrier contraceptives such as condoms.

It is also advised that you avoid excessively cleaning or douching your vagina with scented products or vaginal deodorants. The vagina is self-cleaning, so products marketed to clean your genitals can worsen symptoms of BV. You should also avoid most feminine products that are scented such as tampons and sanitary towels as well as bubble baths and shower gels for the same reason.

If you are not sure on how to take care of your vagina whilst treating BV or how you can prevent recurring bouts, you should speak to a healthcare professional or women’s health professional (such as a gynecologist).

You can buy Dalacin cream online for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis on prescription here at euroClinix. All you need to do is fill out a simple questionnaire which will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors. They will then review your suitability for the medication. If you’re suitable, our pharmacy will then dispense and dispatch your medication with free, next-day delivery.