Dalacin 2% Cream

Dalacin is vaginal cream that contains the antibiotic clindamycin. Clindamycin can help eradicate the bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women.

The cream is easy to use and can give you relief from BV symptoms including unusual (thin, watery or greyish) or smelly discharge.

The usual course of treatment is one applicator full (about 5g of cream) placed into the vagina. You should do this for seven days in a row. You need to apply the cream at night before bedtime.

To apply the cream:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove cap from the tube and screw on the plastic applicator.
3. Hold the tube from the bottom and squeeze to force the cream into the applicator.
4. Allow the applicator to fill until the plunger stops moving.
5. Unscrew the applicator and place the cap back on the tube.
6. Lie on your back and insert the applicator into the vagina as far as is comfortable.
7. Push the plunger until it stops and all the cream is in the vagina.
8. Withdraw the disposable applicator, wrap it in paper and put it in the bin.
9. Do not flush the applicator.
10. Wash your hands.
11. Go to sleep and repeat the next day, for a total of 7 nights.

Use Dalacin as instructed by healthcare professionals for best results to help clear a vaginal infection.

Dalacin works to treat bacterial vaginosis as it contains an antibiotic called clindamycin.

In bacterial vaginosis, there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.

Clindamycin is able to stop bacterial proteins from being made. In doing so, it stops bacteria from growing and this clears up the infection.

Dalacin starts to become effective a few days after treatment for most women. You should still complete your full course of Dalacin as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do this even if you are seeing results early and getting relief from your symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. This is to prevent the chance of recurrence, which can happen within 3 months.

For best results with Dalacin cream:

• apply it as instructed
• avoid other vaginal products, including tampons
• avoid vaginal douches, washes or deodorants
• use water or soap free products to wash the genital area
• avoid sexual intercourse
• avoid smoking
• avoid alcohol

Not everyone will have side effects while using Dalacin, and most side effects are mild.

Common side effects include:

• inflammation of the cervix
• vaginal thrush
• vaginal or vulval infection
• vaginal or vulval inflammation
• itching
• vaginal discomfort
• vaginal discharge
• stomach ache

Less common side effects include:

• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• fungal infection, including yeast infection
• allergic reactions including skin reactions
• headaches, dizziness, loss of balance
• nosebleed
• change of taste or bad breath
• diarrhoea
• nausea or vomiting
• constipation or stomach pain
• indigestion or passing wind
• pain or changes in the urine
• vaginal pain

Although rarer, tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of:

• bowel inflammation - severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea ( with or without stomach pains and fever)
• an allergic reaction - this may include hives or a measles-like rash

The cream contains propylene glycol, cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol. These may cause mild skin irritation.

For further information on side effects refer to the information sheet in your box of Dalacin.

Dalacin is suitable and effective for most women. But you should not use Dalacin if you:

• are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin or any other ingredients in this medicine (please refer to the package insert)
• have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or antibiotic associated colitis
• are a child

If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or are breastfeeding, seek advice from a doctor first.

Dalacin may interact with other medicines you take at the same time. You should tell your doctor if you are taking erythromycin (an antibiotic) or other medications.

Dalacin may weaken barrier contraceptives such as condoms or diaphragms during use and up to 3 days after use. You should use alternative methods of contraception if you are planning to have sex.

If Dalacin cream isn't suitable for you, there are other ways to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. To treat bacterial vaginosis it comes in the following forms:

• pill
• vaginal gel (Zidoval)

Before starting treatment for bacterial vaginosis you can also check for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This is because STIs and bacterial vaginosis may have overlapping symptoms. Our home STI test kits are easy to order. Also, if you are uncertain if you have thrush or bacterial vaginosis, refer to our guide here.