Dalacin Cream

What is Dalacin Cream?

Dalacin Cream is a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM) in the form of a vaginal cream. Its active ingredient is clindamycin phosphate, which belongs to a class of antibiotics known as lincosamides.

Mechanism of Action

Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Think of it as disrupting the factory instructions that bacteria need to grow and multiply. By stopping the production of essential proteins, the antibiotic effectively halts the growth of the problematic bacteria responsible for Bacterial Vaginosis, allowing the natural, healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina to be restored.

What is Dalacin Cream Used For?

Dalacin Cream is specifically approved for the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) in women.

Approved Indication

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): A condition where the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of certain anaerobic bacteria. Symptoms can include an unusual, often fishy-smelling, thin white or grey vaginal discharge.

Target Patient Population

Adult and adolescent women diagnosed with BV by a healthcare professional.

Before Using Dalacin Cream

Before starting treatment, it is crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Use the checklist below as a guide:

Medical History Assessment

• Allergies: Do you have any known allergy to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the other ingredients?
• Gut Health: Do you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or antibiotic-associated colitis?
• Diarrhoea: Do you currently have diarrhoea, or do you frequently get diarrhoea when you take antibiotics?
• Other Medical Conditions: Discuss any other significant health issues with your doctor.
• Other Medicines: Are you taking, or have you recently taken, any other medicines, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies?

Dalacin Cream Contraindications

Do NOT use Dalacin Cream if any of the following apply to you:

Absolute Contraindications

• You are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis.

Special Population Considerations

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustments are required for elderly patients, but general precautions apply.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

There is no specific data available for vaginal administration. Use with caution and under medical supervision.

Children

Dalacin Cream is not recommended for use in children.

Dalacin Cream and Other Medicines

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking.

Significant Interactions

• Erythromycin: This is another antibiotic that may antagonise the effects of clindamycin; their concurrent use is not generally recommended.
• Other Vaginal Products: The use of other vaginal products like tampons, douches, or other intravaginal treatments is not recommended during your course with Dalacin Cream.
• Condoms and Diaphragms: Dalacin Cream may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms. Do not rely on these barrier methods for contraception during treatment and for several days after completion.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. It should only be used if clearly necessary.

Breast-feeding

Clindamycin passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. They will decide if this medicine is suitable for you. If your baby develops bloodstained diarrhoea or shows any signs of illness, tell your doctor at once and stop breast-feeding.

Driving & Machine Operation

Dalacin Cream has no known effects on the ability to drive or use machines.

Dalacin Cream Ingredients

Active Ingredient

• Clindamycin Phosphate (20 mg per gram of cream, equivalent to 2%)

Other Ingredients (Excipients)

• Benzyl alcohol (E1519) - Preservative
• Sorbitan stearate - Emulsifier
• Polysorbate 60 - Emulsifier
• Propylene glycol (E1520) - Solvent and moisturiser
• Stearic acid - Emulsifier
• Cetostearyl alcohol - Emulsifier and thickener
• Cetyl palmitate - Emollient
• Liquid paraffin - Emollient
• Water - Solvent

Allergen Warnings

This product contains benzyl alcohol (which may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation) and cetostearyl alcohol (which may cause local skin reactions e.g., contact dermatitis).

How to Use Dalacin Cream

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

Dalacin Cream Dosage Guidelines

* Your doctor will recommend the course length based on your specific symptoms.

Administration Instructions

Follow these steps for correct application. Always wash your hands before and after use.

Application Steps

1. Remove the cap from the tube.
2. Screw a disposable plastic applicator onto the tube.
3. Gently squeeze the tube from the bottom to fill the applicator. The plunger will stop moving when it is full.
4. Unscrew the filled applicator from the tube and replace the cap.
5. Lie on your back, firmly grasp the applicator barrel, and gently insert it into the vagina as far as is comfortable without causing discomfort.
6. Slowly push the plunger all the way in to expel the entire dose of cream.
7. Withdraw the applicator and dispose of it. Wrap it in paper before throwing it in the bin. Do not flush it.

Missed Dose Management

• If you are only a few hours late, use the dose straight away.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

If you use more Dalacin Cream than you should

Speak to your doctor. Do not use any more until advised.

If you swallow Dalacin Cream

Contact your doctor. While it is unlikely to cause significant harm, medical advice should be sought.

Dalacin Cream Side Effects

Like all medicines, Dalacin Cream can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects are categorised by frequency.

Serious Side Effects - Tell your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience:

• Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea (with or without stomach pain or fever) – may be a sign of pseudomembranous colitis.
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction – e.g., a nettle-like rash (hives), severe dizziness, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat.

Other Side Effects by Frequency

Reporting Side Effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. You can also report them directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Dalacin Cream

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
• Store at room temperature (do not store above 25°C). Do not freeze.
• Dispose of used applicators responsibly with household waste. Do not dispose of via wastewater. Return any unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Dalacin Cream Pack Information

What Dalacin Cream looks like

A white, semi-solid cream.

Pack presentations

The cream is supplied in a laminated tube. Pack sizes include 7.8 g, 20 g, or 40 g tubes, packed with 7 single-use applicators and a patient leaflet. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Pfizer Limited, Ramsgate Rd, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9NJ, UK.

Where Can I Buy Dalacin Cream Online in the UK