Dalacin (Clindamycin) 2%

What is Dalacin Vaginal Cream?

Dalacin vaginal cream is a topical antibiotic cream used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). Containing clindamycin 2%, the medication is inserted into the vagina using a disposable applicator. Because it is applied locally, it acts directly at the source of discomfort, with many women finding it gentler on the body than taking antibiotics orally. The treatment is an effective alternative for people who cannot tolerate metronidazole tablets or metronidazole gel.

What is Dalacin Cream Used For?

Dalacin Cream is used to treat bacterial vaginosis in women. It belongs to a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics and contains 2% active ingredient, clindamycin, meaning that every gram of cream contains 20 mg of clindamycin. The treatment helps slow down and stop the excess growth of BV-causing bacteria.

BV happens when the natural “good” bacteria in the vagina (called lactobacilli) become outnumbered by other bacteria. This imbalance can cause discharge, odour and irritation. While it isn’t usually harmful, untreated BV can increase the risk of pelvic infections, pregnancy complications, or contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Symptoms of BV include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• A strong, fishy smell from the discharge

By applying clindamycin directly inside the vagina, Dalacin Cream helps restore balance and bring back the natural protective environment. It’s essential to note that Dalacin Cream is not intended to treat thrush (a yeast infection), urinary tract infections like cystitis, or STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, speak to your clinician before starting treatment.

Dalacin Cream for BV: How Does it Work?

Clindamycin is part of a family of antibiotics called lincosamides. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive and multiply. Without these proteins, the bacteria can’t grow, and your body’s natural balance has a chance to return. By reducing the amount of ‘bad’ bacteria, Dalacin Cream can restore the natural balance of vaginal flora.

Because Dalacin Cream is applied inside the vagina, the antibiotic is delivered right where it’s needed. This makes it especially effective at tackling BV while limiting effects on the rest of your body. Many women prefer this localised treatment to tablets, particularly if they’ve had side effects from oral antibiotics in the past. You’ll need to use Dalacin for seven consecutive days to most effectively treat BV. 

The cream is particularly effective at targeting anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments, such as the vagina. These are often the bacteria responsible for BV, making clindamycin well-suited to quickly and effectively resolve symptoms.

How Effective is Dalacin Cream for BV?

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Dalacin Cream is highly effective in treating bacterial vaginosis. Reported success rates range from 70% to 80% after a single 7-day course, which is comparable to or slightly higher than those seen with oral antibiotics such as metronidazole.

Indeed, a separate trial compared the efficacy of clindamycin 2% against oral metronidazole. It was found that the cure or improvement rate in the clindamycin group was 83% in the month following treatment, compared to 78% for the metronidazole group.

The effectiveness of the treatment may also depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, vaginal douching, and how often you have sex. These are all factors that can affect the balance of bacteria in your vagina. Making small changes in these areas alongside treatment can improve long-term outcomes.

How Long Does Dalacin Cream Take to Work?

Although Dalacin vaginal cream starts working right away, patients taking the treatment often report significant improvements in symptoms such as odour and discharge within two to three days. Despite this, it’s crucial to complete the prescribed course even if symptoms resolve early. Stopping treatment prematurely may allow bacteria to regrow, leading to recurrence. 

How to Use Dalacin Cream

To apply Dalacin (Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream), please follow the instructions below:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly before applying the cream.
2. Remove the cap from the tube.
3. Screw one of the supplied disposable applicators to the end of the tube where you have removed the cap.
4. Squeeze the cream tube from the bottom to force the cream into the applicator. When the plunger stops moving, the applicator is full.
5. Unscrew the applicator and replace the cap on the tube.
6. Lie on your back and insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it is comfortable.
7. Slowly push the applicator plunger until it stops, and all the cream has been emptied.
8. Carefully remove the applicator, wrap it in tissue paper, and dispose of it in your household waste. Do not flush the applicator away.
9. Wash your hands again with warm, soapy water.

It’s essential that you only use each applicator once. Do not attempt to reuse them. Please take the time to review the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using the treatment. 

Dalacin 2% Cream Dosage Information

The usual dose of clindamycin 2% cream is 1 applicator full (5 grams) at night for 7 days. The ideal time to apply the treatment is lying down just before bed, to reduce the likelihood of leakage. Dalacin Cream is for use inside the vagina only and should be administered exactly as prescribed by your clinician.

What if I Forget to Use Dalacin Cream?

If you have forgotten your usual clindamycin dose and it’s only a few hours late, use it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten one. Take your next dose at the usual time, and do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Missing doses may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. If symptoms persist, tell your prescribing clinician if you have missed any doses; they may suggest repeating the course of Dalacin or recommend an alternative treatment.

What if I Use Too Much Clindamycin 2% Cream?

If you have used more than your clinician has prescribed, this may increase the chances of side effects. You should consult your doctor or a clinician for further guidance and stop using the medication.

If You Swallow Dalacin Vaginal Cream

If you or somebody else accidentally swallows this medication, seek medical advice from your doctor or clinician. Although it shouldn’t cause any harm, your clinician can advise you on the best course of action.

If You Stop Using Dalacin Cream

Do not stop taking Dalacin Cream during the course of treatment without first speaking to your doctor. It is important to take the full course to ensure BV is treated effectively, minimising the risk of recurrence. Not completing a full course of any antibiotic as prescribed may increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance and make future treatment more difficult.

Dalacin Cream Side Effects and Cautions

Dalacin Cream is considered a safe medication and is usually well-tolerated. However, like all medications, Dalacin use may come with unwanted side effects. Please review the following information carefully to decide whether Dalacin is right for you.

Potential Side Effects

As with all medications, Dalacin Cream can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience them, but it’s still a good idea to have a clear understanding of the possibilities before you start treatment.

Possible Dalacin Cream side effects include:
 

Please note that the table above does not represent a complete list of potential Dalacin Cream side effects. More information can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. If you do experience adverse reactions, you can also report them via the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

When to Speak to a Doctor

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhoea (which may be associated with stomach pain or fever). This is an uncommon side effect that may occur after antibiotic treatment and may indicate serious bowel inflammation (pseudomembranous colitis).

While rare, allergic reactions to Dalacin Cream can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Skin rash (which may be itchy)
• Hives (raised, itchy welts on the skin)
• Swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, arms, or legs

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately and stop taking Dalacin.

Dalacin Cream Warnings and Interactions

While Dalacin Cream is a reliable solution for BV, it may not be suitable for everyone. This is why an assessment is required to determine whether the treatment is safe for you.

Do not use clindamycin 2% cream if you:

• Are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the other ingredients found in this medication
• Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis

Precautions With Dalacin Cream

Talk to your prescribing clinician if you have diarrhoea, or usually get diarrhoea when taking antibiotics. If you develop severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhoea during or after using Dalacin Cream, tell your doctor immediately, since it may be necessary to interrupt the treatment. This may be a sign of bowel inflammation (pseudomembranous colitis), which can occur after antibiotic treatment.

Sexual intercourse during treatment with this medicine is not recommended. Dalacin Cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms. Do not rely on condoms or contraceptive diaphragms for at least 72 hours after treatment has finished. The use of other vaginal products, such as tampons or douches (vaginal washes) during treatment with this medicine is not recommended.

This product is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. 

Interactions With Other Medications

Dalacin Cream may interact with other medications you are taking. Tell your clinician or doctor if you are using erythromycin (an antibiotic) or have recently taken any other treatments. This includes over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies. It is important that you speak to your clinician if you are taking any other medications, as the dose may need to be adjusted or an alternative treatment may need to be prescribed.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Dalacin Cream can be prescribed in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, but only when a doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks. If you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, make sure to inform your clinician before using Dalacin Cream. 

Although it is not likely that a nursing infant will take in very much of the active substance from the milk it drinks, if your baby gets bloodstained diarrhoea or shows any signs of illness, tell your doctor at once. You should stop breastfeeding if this happens.

How to Buy Dalacin Cream (Clindamycin 2%)

Dalacin Cream is a prescription-only medication (POM), meaning it must be prescribed by an appropriately trained clinician before purchase. Dalacin is available to purchase in the UK only from registered pharmacies. This is to ensure access to Dalacin remains safely regulated.

The General Pharmaceutical Council keeps an up-to-date register of licensed pharmacies.

Can You Buy Dalacin Cream Online?

Yes, you can buy Dalacin Cream online from trusted pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor. Our convenient and straightforward service means you can begin a consultation at any time from your own home, without needing an appointment. Simply complete our brief medical questionnaire, and our experienced clinicians will review your information to determine if the treatment is suitable for you.

If approved, our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy will dispense your item in plain packaging for complete discretion. Orders approved before 3pm Monday to Friday are also eligible for next-day delivery. 

Can You Buy Dalacin Vaginal Cream Over the Counter?

No. Dalacin Cream can only be purchased with a valid prescription at a licensed pharmacy. Antibiotic prescribing in the UK is regulated to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and the development of antimicrobial resistance. It is also designed to ensure you are using medication that is safe and suitable for your circumstances.

Is Clindamycin 2% Vaginal Cream Available on the NHS

Yes. Dalacin Cream may be prescribed by NHS clinicians and be available to purchase from approved pharmacies for the NHS prescription charge or free under valid exemptions. You may also be prescribed an alternative brand or form of clindamycin. However, this will require scheduling a consultation, which may put people off. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalacin Cream for BV