Daktarin Oral Gel

What is Daktarin Oral Gel?

Daktarin Oral Gel is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat fungal and yeast infections in the mouth and throat, commonly known as oral thrush. The active ingredient in Daktarin Oral Gel is miconazole, an antifungal medication that kills the fungus Candida, which causes oral thrush.

Daktarin Oral Gel comes in an 15g tube, with each gram containing 20 mg of miconazole. It has an orange flavour to make it easier to take and coats the mouth for maximum contact with the infection. 

Daktarin Oral Gel Uses

Daktarin Oral Gel is used to treat and prevent fungal infections in the mouth, throat, and oropharynx, such as oral thrush. These infections can be uncomfortable and can cause inflammation, making it more difficult to swallow and eat. Daktarin Oral Gel targets the fungus causing the infection, stopping it from growing and killing it.  

Information About Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat caused by Candida. It’s most common in babies, smokers, people who take certain medications, like oral antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids, anyone with a weakened immune system, and people who wear dentures. It’s best to get oral thrush treated straight away.

Symptoms of oral thrush include:

• Redness inside the mouth and throat
• Stinging or burning sensation in the mouth
• Unpleasant taste
• White patches in the mouth  

How Does Daktarin Gel Work for Oral Thrush?

Daktarin Oral Gel contains the antifungal agent miconazole, which targets the fungus that causes oral thrush by disrupting its cell membrane. Miconazole directly destroys fungal cells to clear the infection. It does this by blocking an essential enzyme that fungi need to produce ergosterol.

Ergosterol is similar to cholesterol in humans and helps to build the cell membrane. When there is not enough ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes compromised, causing holes to form and the cell's contents to leak out. This kills the fungus and stops it from spreading.

How Long Does Daktarin Oral Gel Take to Work?

Daktarin Oral Gel starts working straight away and can provide relief from oral thrush symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. However, it typically takes 1 week of consistent use for the medication to clear oral thrush. You should continue taking it for 1 week after your symptoms have disappeared to make sure the infection has cleared.

How Effective is Daktarin Oral Thrush Gel?

The active ingredient in Daktarin Oral Gel, miconazole, is a safe and effective treatment for oral thrush. An early study found that the mycological cure rate of oral thrush with miconazole was 97%, and most people were cured within 2 to 3 days. In another study involving infants with oral thrush, the cure rate with miconazole oral gel was 85.1%, compared with 42.8% and 48.5% observed in patients treated with 2 different nystatin oral gels. 

How to Use Daktarin Oral Gel

To ensure Daktarin Oral Gel works as planned, you should always use the medication exactly as prescribed. Remember that the treatment is for oral use only, and never exceed the stated dose. Each gel tube will be sealed the first time you use it, so use the cap to pierce the seal. 

How to Apply Daktarin Oral Gel

To apply Daktarin Oral Gel, follow these simple instructions:

• Apply the gel directly to the affected area with a clean finger
• Keep the gel in contact with the affected area for as long as possible
• Do not try to swallow the gel straight away
• If you wear dentures, remove them at bedtime and rub them with the gel. This will help prevent them from becoming infected, too

After applying Daktarin Oral Gel, it’s a good idea to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards. This prevents you from washing the gel away too soon. Ideally, you should apply Daktarin Oral Gel after meals. 

Daktarin Oral Gel Dose Guide

The correct dose of Daktarin sugar-free oral gel is 2.5ml (half the measuring spoon) to the affected area. It should be used 4 times daily after meals.

Always use the enclosed 5ml medical spoon to measure out your dose. Using any other utensil may result in an inaccurate measurement, causing you to use too much or too little of the medication. 

If You Use Too Much Daktarin Oral Gel

If you accidentally use too much Daktarin sugar-free 2% oral gel, or swallow a large quantity, call a doctor or visit your nearest accident and emergency department immediately. Ensure that you take the Patient Information Leaflet with you. 

If You Forget to Use Daktarin Oral Gel

If you forget to use Daktarin Oral Gel when you should, use it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply it at the next usual time. Do not use more of the medication to make up for a missed dose.

Daktarin Oral Gel Side Effects and Cautions

Because Daktarin Oral Gel can cause side effects, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with them so you know what to look out for and when to seek medical advice.

Side Effects of Daktarin Oral Gel

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. You must understand the risks associated with taking any medicine and remain aware of side effects, so you can make a more informed decision about whether the treatment is suitable for you. 

Potential Daktarin Oral Gel side effects include:

Please be aware that the above is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects of Daktarin Oral Gel. A more detailed breakdown, including adverse reactions for which frequency isn’t known, can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet. You can also report any side effects you encounter via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious Side Effects of Daktarin Oral Gel

Sometimes Daktarin Oral Gel can cause serious side effects. If you get any of the following, you must stop using Daktarin Oral Gel and contact a doctor straight away or in the case of an emergency, go to your nearest A&E department:

• Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hives
• Severe skin disorders, including peeling and/or rashes with small pus-containing pimples, or blistering of your skin, mouth, eyes, and genitals
• Lightheadedness
• Generalised itchiness
• Unexpected bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in urine, black tarry stools, or coffee ground vomit
• An allergic skin reaction that may include round or oval patches of redness and swelling of the skin, blistering, and itching

Allergic Reaction

Sometimes Daktarin Oral Gel can cause an allergic reaction in some people. An allergic reaction is a medical emergency, so if this occurs, stop using Daktarin Oral Gel and call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if you get any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hives
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe irritation, reddening, or blistering of the skin

Make sure you take the medication in its original packaging with you so that you can get the right treatment.

Warnings and Interactions for Daktarin Oral Gel

Although Daktarin oral thrush gel is an effective treatment for oral thrush, it is not suitable for everyone. It may also interact with other medications you are taking, so caution is advised. That’s why it is important to complete the health questionnaire for our clinician to review so they can ensure Daktarin Oral Gel is right for you.

Do not use Daktarin Oral Gel if you:

• Are allergic to the active substance (miconazole) or any other ingredients in the medication
• Are allergic to similar antifungal medicines
• Have liver problems

You should also not use the treatment if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Terfenadine, astemizole, or mizolastine for hay fever or allergies
• Cisapride for digestive issues
• Lovastatin or simvastatin to lower cholesterol
• Midazolam or triazolam for anxiety or to help you sleep
• Pimozide or sertindole for conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings, or behaviour
• Quinidine, bepridil, or dofetilide for an irregular heartbeat
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin

Precautions Before Taking Daktarin Oral Gel

Before starting Daktarin Oral Gel, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or dentist if you are taking: 

• Antiviral protease inhibitors, such as saquinavir, for HIV infections
• Busulfan, docetaxel, and vinca alkaloids
• Calcium-channel blockers such as dihydropyridines and verapamil
• Cyclosporin, tacrolimus, or rapamycin
• Epilepsy medications, including phenytoin or carbamazepine
• Alfentanil
• Anti-anxiety medications, such as buspirone, alprazolam, or brotizolam
• Midazolam
• Rifabutin
• Methylprednisolone
• Ebastine
• Reboxetine
• Sulphonylureas
• Sildenafil
• Trimetrexate

This can help determine whether the treatment is suitable for your circumstances. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You should speak to a doctor before using Daktarin Oral Gel if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You may still be able to use Daktarin Oral Gel if your doctor thinks you need to. 

Daktarin Oral Gel: Where to Buy

You can buy Daktarin Oral Gel over the counter in most UK high street pharmacies or online from registered online pharmacies. Before you can get Daktarin Oral Gel, you will need to answer a few questions with a pharmacist, either face-to-face or online, so they can determine if the treatment is safe and suitable for you.

Can You Buy Daktarin Oral Gel Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy Daktarin sugar-free 2% oral gel over the counter. It is a pharmacy medicine, meaning it can be purchased directly from a pharmacy without a prescription after a brief consultation with a pharmacist.

You can also purchase it online from reputable online pharmacies. This may suit people who are unable to visit a pharmacy due to other commitments or who prefer not to visit in person.

Can You Buy Daktarin Oral Gel Online?

Yes, you can buy Daktarin Oral Gel from reputable, registered online pharmacies, such as Prescription Doctor. To get it, you will need to complete a short online medical questionnaire for our clinician to review, so they can ensure Daktarin Oral Gel is safe for you to use.

Once your order is approved, we will send your medication in plain, discreet packaging to maintain your confidentiality. If your order is approved before 3 pm Monday to Friday, we will also dispatch your treatment via our next-day delivery service.

Is There an Alternative to Daktarin Oral Gel?

Yes, Daktarin Oral Gel is not the only effective treatment for oral thrush. At Prescription Doctor, our clinician can prescribe Nystan oral suspension, which contains the active ingredient nystatin, an antifungal that works similarly to miconazole.

Nystan is an oral suspension that coats the mouth and may be given to you if Daktarin Oral Gel is not suitable for you. It is only available with a prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Daktarin Gel