Dalacin Cream

Dalacin cream is an antibiotic cream that is used to treat bacterial vaginosis, a common infection that causes an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina. Dalacin contains the active ingredient clindamycin, which helps to slow down and stop the bacterial growth.

Dalacin cream works by slowing down and stopping the harmful bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis from growing.

It is applied directly into the vagina, so it can target the infection at the source, restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and relieving symptoms such as unusual discharge and changes in vaginal odour.

How long does Dalacin cream take to work?

Dalacin cream usually works within 3 to 7 days to treat bacterial vaginosis. If you are still getting symptoms after this time, you should speak to your doctor and they may advise an alternative treatment such as metronidazole tablets or zidoval gel.

How effective is Dalacin cream?

Dalacin cream is an effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Clinical studies have shown that clindamycin cream successfully treats 75% of cases and concluded that it is an effective and well tolerated treatment.

The usual course of treatment is one applicator full (about 5g of cream) placed into the vagina. You should do this once a day for 7 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.

You can request Dalacin cream from a reputable online service like ZAVA, or you may be able to get it on the NHS.

Dalacin cream is a prescription-only medication so you will need a doctor's prescription in order to obtain it.

Can I buy Dalacin cream online?

Yes, you can buy Dalacin cream online from ZAVA. Getting it is a quick and discreet process without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

To request Dalacin Cream from ZAVA, you simply need to:

1. Complete a short online medical questionnaire – Share details about your health so our doctors can ensure Dalacin cream is right for you.
2. Order and pay online – Sign in or create your ZAVA account, select Dalacin cream, and securely make your payment.
3. Doctor review and approval – A UK-licensed doctor will check your health information and approve your prescription request if Dalacin cream is safe and appropriate for you.
4. Fast and discreet delivery – If approved, Dalacin cream will be delivered discreetly to your home or a local post office for collection.

Can I buy Dalacin cream over the counter?

No, you will need a prescription to get Dalacin cream, so you cannot buy it over the counter.

Can I get Dalacin cream on the NHS?

You may be able to get Dalacin cream on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your GP so they can assess if it is a suitable treatment solution for you.

As with all medications, Dalacin cream can cause side effects, however, not everyone will experience them.

Very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• vaginal thrush

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

• itchy skin
• rash
• back pain
• cough, cold, sore throat
• stomach-ache
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick (nausea)
• vomiting (being sick)
• difficulty or delay in emptying bowels
• fungal infection (candida), can cause red, itchy rashes
• headache, dizziness
• change to sense of taste
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• increased sugar or protein levels in urine
• vaginal pain and swelling
• abnormal bleeding, pain or stress during your period
• vaginal discharge
• abnormal labour (if pregnant)

Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people):

• hypersensitivity reactions
• bacterial infection
• nose bleed
• passing wind
• bloating
• a sensation of whirling or loss of balance
• reddening of the skin
• hives or a nettle like rash
• vaginal infection
• painful urination
• pelvic pain
• abnormal laboratory results
• bad breath

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do Dalacin cream side effects last?

Dalacin cream side effects are usually mild and should go away on their own within a few hours or days as your body gets used to the medication.

What to do if you get Dalacin cream side effects

If you experience any common or uncommon side effects from Dalacin cream and you are concerned you should contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any of the following side effects, you should stop using Dalacin cream and contact your doctor immediately:

• severe, persistent, or blood diarrhoea which may be present with stomach pain or fever
• an allergic reaction or skin reaction such as hives

Although Dalacin cream is an effective bacterial vaginosis treatment, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use Dalacin cream if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients or clindamycin or lincomycin
• have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-related colitis
• are under 18

Speak to your doctor before using Dalacin cream if you:

• have diarrhoea or you usually develop diarrhoea while using antibiotics
• have or are going to take any other medications, including over the counter and herbal remedies, especially erythromycin
• are or thinking about becoming pregnant
• are breastfeeding

You should tell your doctor immediately if you develop severe or prolonged bloody diarrhoea as this may be a sign of bowel inflammation.

Dalacin cream is not the only bacterial vaginosis treatment available. At ZAVA, we also offer:

• Metronidazole tablets – 400mg oral tablets that are taken daily for up to 7 days, or a single dose of 2000mg containing metronidazole, the first-line antibiotic recommended for bacterial vaginosis
• Zidoval gel – a vaginal gel containing metronidazole that works by killing the bacteria responsible for causing bacterial vaginosis

Dalacin Cream vs metronidazole gel

Dalacin cream and metronidazole gel are effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis. They are both applied directly into the vagina with an applicator, and work in similar ways. A course of metronidazole gel is 5 days, while a typical course of Dalacin Cream is 7 days.

Metronidazole gel is the first-line treatment for bacterial vaginosis and it is the most effective treatment, helping to clear the infection in up to 91% of women. Dalacin Cream is effective for up to 75% of women.

While metronidazole gel is the most effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis, it is not suitable for everyone. Dalacin is an effective option for those who are not able to use metronidazole.

Dalacin Cream vs metronidazole tablets

Dalacin cream and metronidazole tablets are effective for treating bacterial vaginosis, but there are some distinct differences.

Dalacin cream is a vaginal treatment that contains the active ingredient clindamycin, an antibiotic that kills the bacteria responsible for the infection. Dalacin cream is administered once a day, usually just before bed, using the applicator provided for 7 days. Some of the side effects of Dalacin cream include vaginal irritation, itching, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.

Metronidazole tablets, on the other hand, are oral pills that work by killing the bacteria responsible for bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole tablet treatment is available in 2 doses, 400mg twice a day for up to 7 days or a single dose of 2000mg. The side effects of metronidazole include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, and a furry tongue.

Research shows that the effectiveness of metronidazole tablets and clindamycin cream are similar with 97% of people reporting an improvement or cure of their symptoms with clindamycin cream compared to 83% taking metronidazole tablets.