Bacterial Vaginosis treatment Dalacin Cream
What is Dalacin cream?
Dalacin cream is an antibiotic cream prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Applied internally to the vagina, this cream contains clindamycin phosphate—an antibiotic that effectively eliminates the bacteria causing the infection. The use of Dalacin cream aims to alleviate BV symptoms, such as a fishy odour and unusual vaginal discharge.
What is Dalacin cream used to treat?
Dalacin cream is primarily used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, a condition arising from an imbalance of bacteria in the vaginal environment. The cream works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for bacterial vaginosis. Administered through vaginal insertion, Dalacin cream enables the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate to specifically target the bacteria causing the infection. The recommended dosage is one full applicator, equivalent to 5 grams, to be inserted into the vagina every night at bedtime for a period of 7 nights. However, the duration of treatment, whether a 7-day or 3-day course, is a decision best made in consultation with your doctor.
Who can and cannot use medicines containing Dalacin cream?
There are some conditions that can make Dalacin cream unsuitable.
Avoid using Dalacin cream:
if you have an allergy to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any other ingredients listed
if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis
Warnings and precautions:
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you experience diarrhoea or have a tendency to develop diarrhoea with antibiotic use. Should you encounter severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhoea during or after using Dalacin cream, inform your doctor promptly, as it may necessitate interrupting the treatment. This could indicate bowel inflammation, specifically pseudomembranous colitis, which may occur following antibiotic therapy.
In the context of all vaginal infections, it is advised to abstain from sexual intercourse during Dalacin cream treatment, as the cream may compromise the effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms. It is not recommended to rely on these forms of contraception while using this medicine. Additionally, the use of other vaginal products such as tampons or douches during cream treatment is discouraged.
Dalacin cream is not recommended for use in children.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking erythromycin (an antibiotic).
If you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or are planning to conceive, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using Dalacin cream.
Inform your doctor if you plan to breastfeed while using Dalacin cream, as the active substance in the cream may pass into breast milk. Your doctor will assess the suitability of Dalacin cream for you. While it is unlikely that a nursing infant will ingest a significant amount of the active substance from the milk, if your baby experiences bloodstained diarrhoea or shows signs of illness, contact your doctor immediately, and consider pausing breastfeeding if necessary.
How long does it take for Dalacin cream to work?
Typically, Dalacin cream requires 3 to 7 days for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. In case the symptoms persist beyond the treatment duration, it is advisable to consult your doctor. They will assess whether continuing the current treatment or opting for metronidazole would be more effective in addressing bacterial vaginosis or investigating the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
It's important to note that Dalacin cream is not recommended for use during menstruation as it may not achieve optimal effectiveness. In such cases, consider either delaying treatment until after your period or opting for an oral treatment.
Other measures to relieve symptoms and reduce risk of getting bacterial vaginosis:
take a shower instead of a bath
use only water and a plain soap or aqueous cream to wash intimate areas
do not use vaginal douching, vaginal washes, or vaginal deodorants
avoid antiseptic, perfumed soap, bubble baths, shampoo, or shower gel in the bath
do not use strong detergent to wash underwear
try to stop smoking if you're a smoker
Dalacin cream contains the active substance clindamycin phosphate. Each gram of cream contains 20 mg of clindamycin.
Dalacin cream is a white, semi-solid cream and is packaged in a laminated tube. Each tube contains 40g of cream, enclosed in a cardboard carton along with the accompanying leaflet.
As with all medications, side effects may occur, although not everyone will experience them. If you encounter any of the following, promptly inform your doctor:
Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhoea, potentially accompanied by stomach pain or fever. This uncommon side effect may signal serious bowel inflammation known as pseudomembranous colitis, often associated with antibiotic treatment. If this occurs promptly seek medical attention.
Allergic reactions or skin responses, such as hives or a flat, raised rash in tight clusters, giving the skin a blotchy appearance.
Common side effects affecting more than 1 in every 10 patients include:
vaginal thrush, characterised by soreness and itching around the vulva and vagina
Other common side effects affecting less than 1 in every 10 patients encompass:
fungal infection (candida) leading to red, itchy rashes
headache, dizziness
alteration in the sense of taste
cough, cold, sore throat
stomach ache
difficulty or delay in emptying bowels
diarrhoea
nausea
vomiting
itchy skin
rash
back pain
urinary tract infection: bacterial infection of the urinary system with symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, sudden or urgent need to pee, increased frequency of urination, cloudy urine, strong-smelling urine, blood in urine, lower abdominal pain, back pain, or pain under ribs
elevated levels of sugar and protein in urine, with signs like urinary infections, foamy or frothy appearance of urine
abnormal labour
vaginal pain and swelling
menstrual disorders: abnormal bleeding, pain, or stress during periods
vaginal discharge
Less common side effects affecting fewer than 1 in every 100 patients include:
bacterial infection
hypersensitivity reactions
sensation of whirling and loss of balance
nosebleed
upset stomach
bad breath
passing wind
reddening of the skin
nettle-like rash (hives)
painful urination
vaginal infection
pelvic pain
abnormal laboratory test results
Additionally, effects of unknown frequency may include:
fungal infection ('candida') of the skin, presenting as white discharge or patches in skin folds with itching, irritation, and sometimes soreness
overactive thyroid gland symptoms: increased appetite, weight loss, or excessive sweating
bowel disorders
inflammation of the large intestine lining causing severe diarrhoea with blood in stools (pseudomembranous colitis)
indigestion
rash with red spots
lower abdominal or back pain in women, typically exacerbated during menstruation (endometriosis)
general body pain
swelling
Always read the patient information leaflet for Dalacin cream before using it.