Dalacin cream is a prescription-only antibiotic treatment used to treat bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a loss of healthy types.

It is applied inside the vagina every night for 7 nights. Dalacin cream contains the active ingredient clindamycin that works by slowing and stopping the growth of the infection and relieves common symptoms, such as:

• abnormal vaginal discharge
• strong, fishy-smelling discharge
• burning sensation when going for a pee

Dalacin cream is a second-line treatment for bacterial vaginosis, with the first treatment usually offered being metronidazole. It is usually prescribed if metronidazole has not worked for you, you cannot tolerate it, or you would prefer a clindamycin-containing antibiotic.

What are the different types of Dalacin?

Dalacin is available in several forms and is used to treat different conditions:

Dalacin 2% cream is a vaginal cream containing clindamycin phosphate, typically used to treat bacterial vaginosis. It’s applied directly inside the vagina at night for 3 to 7 nights and works by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria.

Dalacin T is a topical solution that contains a lower concentration of clindamycin (1%) and is used to treat acne. It is applied directly to the skin and helps to reduce inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. It’s usually applied twice a day on clean skin.

Dalacin C capsules are oral capsules that contain clindamycin hydrochloride and are used to treat a range of serious bacterial infections, including skin, respiratory, and dental infections.

Dalacin cream contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate, which is an antibiotic. It helps to clear bacterial vaginosis by targeting the bacteria responsible for causing it and stopping them from growing.

Clindamycin stops the bacteria from producing the proteins they require for growth and replication. Without these proteins, the bacteria eventually die off, clearing the infection. By reducing the numbers of harmful bacteria, clindamycin helps to restore the natural balance of the vaginal flora. This rebalancing helps to relieve symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge and odour.

How long does Dalacin cream take to work?

Most people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 3 to 7 days of starting treatment with Dalacin cream. However, you should complete the full course, which is either 3 or 7 days, even if you feel better. This will lower the chance of the infection coming back.

How effective is Dalacin cream?

Clindamycin 2% cream is an effective bacterial vaginosis treatment, with one study finding that the infection was cleared in 85.5% of people 2 weeks following the completion of treatment.

A further study found that in 75% of people with bacterial vaginosis, a 3-day course of Dalacin cream was considered a “success” or led to “improved” symptoms, compared to 13% of people given a placebo.

Dalacin cream is applied directly inside the vagina using an applicator. The usual dose for bacterial vaginosis is one applicator (about 5g) per night for 7 nights. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a 3-day course of Dalacin cream, depending on your symptoms.

How to apply Dalacin cream:

1. Wash your hands well with water and soap before using the applicator.
2. Remove the cap from the tube of cream.
3. Screw the open end of the applicator onto the tube. Carefully squeeze from the bottom of the tube, which will force the cream into the applicator. When the plunger stops moving, the applicator is full.
4. Unscrew the applicator and place the cap back on the tube.
5. Lie on your back and hold the applicator tightly. Gently insert into your vagina as far as you can without causing discomfort.
6. Still holding the barrel, push the plunger slowly until it stops, and all the cream has gone.
7. Carefully take out the applicator from your vagina, wrap it in tissue paper, and dispose of it in your household rubbish. Do not flush the applicator down the toilet.
8. Wash your hands well after applying the cream.

Repeat these steps for 7 nights using a new applicator each time. You should avoid using Dalacin cream if you are on your period because it can lower its effectiveness.

If you use too much Dalacin cream, it may increase the chance of side effects, so speak to your doctor if this has happened.

When to apply Dalacin cream

The ideal time to apply Dalacin cream is at night, just before going to bed.

How often should I use Dalacin cream?

Dalacin cream should be used once per night for 7 or 3 nights, depending on how long your doctor has prescribed it for.

What if I forget to apply Dalacin cream?

If you forget to apply Dalacin cream and it is only a few hours late, use it straight away. If it is nearly time for your next dose, miss the forgotten one, and apply the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Dalacin cream is a prescription-only treatment, so you will need a doctor’s approval to get it. You can request it online from trusted online doctor services, or it may be available on an NHS prescription.

Can I buy Dalacin cream online?

Yes, you can request Dalacin cream for bacterial vaginosis from Superdrug Online Doctor by:

1. Filling in a brief questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Ordering your preferred choice of treatment and making payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If your order is approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address or made available for collection at a Superdrug Pharmacy.
5. If your order is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative options that are more suitable for you.

Can I buy Dalacin cream over the counter?

No, Dalacin cream is a prescription-only medication, so it cannot be bought over the counter.

Can I get Dalacin cream on the NHS?

Yes, Dalacin cream or a generic alternative may be available on the NHS to treat bacterial vaginosis, but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to find out.

Very common Dalacin cream side effects include:

• vaginal thrush

Common Dalacin cream side effects include:

• fungal infections
• headache
• dizziness
• taste changes
• cough, cold, sore throat
• stomach ache
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• itchy skin
• rash
• back pain
• urinary tract infections
• vaginal pain and swelling
• abnormal bleeding or pain during your period
• vaginal discharge

Uncommon side effects include:

• bacterial infection
• overreaction from your immune system
• loss of balance
• nosebleed
• upset stomach
• bad breath
• gas
• reddening of the skin
• hives
• pain when going for a pee
• vaginal infection
• pelvic pain

As with all medications, Dalacin cream can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. You can see a complete list of side effects in the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.

How long do Dalacin cream side effects last?

Dalacin cream side effects are usually temporary and mild, often going away on their own within a few days as your body gets used to the medication or when you stop the treatment completely.

What to do if you get Dalacin cream side effects

Most mild side effects can be managed effectively at home by:

• vaginal thrush – speak to your doctor or pharmacist about suitable treatment or request female thrush treatment online
• headaches – prioritise rest, take small sips of water, and speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter painkillers to manage the pain
• feeling or being sick – stay home and get plenty of rest until you are feeling better, stick to plain, easy-to-digest foods, and drink frequent sips of water to stop yourself from becoming dehydrated
• diarrhoea – drink plenty of clear fluids to avoid dehydration, consider electrolyte replacement drinks, and if it continues for more than 24 hours, speak to your doctor for further advice
• urinary tract infections – contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice to request UTI antibiotics or consider home remedies
• constipation – make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating foods that contain fibre, and speak to your pharmacist if constipation persists

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately, or in case of emergency call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E:

• severe, bloody, or persistent diarrhoea
• allergic reaction or skin reaction, such as hives

Do not use Dalacin cream if you:

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

Other medications and Dalacin cream

Let your doctor know if you are currently taking or intend to take any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, including erythromycin. Dalacin cream may interact with other medications you are taking.

Dalacin cream and pregnancy and breastfeeding

You must tell your doctor before using Dalacin cream if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They will let you know if it is safe for you to use.

If Dalacin cream is not suitable or effective for you, several alternative bacterial vaginosis treatments are available, including:

Metronidazole tablets

Metronidazole tablets are an oral antibiotic medication that’s usually the first-line treatment for bacterial vaginosis. They contain metronidazole as their active ingredient, and they work by stopping the growth of the bacteria causing the infection by interfering with their DNA so they are unable to grow and multiply.

Like Dalacin cream, metronidazole tablets are a prescription-only medication and are effective in up to 90% of people.

Metronidazole gel

Metronidazole gel is a prescription-only topical alternative to tablets. Like Dalacin cream it’s applied inside the vagina using an applicator, but contains metronidazole as its active ingredient. It effectively eradicates bacterial vaginosis in 91% of people.

Fluomizin

Fluomizin contains the active ingredient dequalinium chloride, an antiseptic tablet that’s a good alternative if you cannot take antibiotics. Fluomizin vaginal tablets are effective in 81.5% of people and work by weakening the cell wall in bacterial vaginosis-causing bacteria, stopping them from growing and multiplying.

Is Dalacin a strong antibiotic?

Yes, clindamycin is a strong, broad-spectrum antibiotic. It effectively targets the bacteria responsible for causing bacterial vaginosis to clear the infection. It is important that you only use Dalacin cream exactly as your doctor tells you to.

How can you tell if Dalacin cream is working?

When using Dalacin cream, you should notice that the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, such as abnormal vaginal discharge or a strong, fishy smell, go away within 7 days. If you still have symptoms after this time, you may need an alternative treatment to fight the infection.

Is Dalacin a steroid?

No, Dalacin cream is not a steroid. It belongs to a class of medications called antibiotics that work by slowing the growth or killing harmful bacteria.

Is Dalacin cream better than metronidazole?

The active ingredient in Dalacin cream, clindamycin, and metronidazole have been shown to be equally effective at treating bacterial vaginosis. One study found that both antibiotics cleared the infection in more than 90% of people.

What is the difference between Dalacin and Zidoval?

Dalacin cream and Zidoval are both effective bacterial vaginosis treatments, but they contain different active ingredients and work in slightly different ways. Dalacin cream contains clindamycin, whereas Zidoval gel contains metronidazole. They are equally effective, but you need to apply Zidoval for 7 days, whereas a course of Zidoval lasts 5 days