Dalacin

Dalacin (available as Dalacin T topical lotion or as a 2% cream) is a medicine used to treat the inflammation associated with acne and the imbalance of bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis (BV). Dalacin contains the active ingredient clindamycin, which is an antibiotic that helps to eliminate the bacteria that makes acne worse, reducing the skin inflammation. The active ingredient in Dalacin also helps to eliminate the harmful bacteria that causes BV.

Find out more about the treatments we offer for acne.

Find out more about the treatment we offer for BV.

Dalacin T lotion and Dalacin cream are different formulations of the antibiotic clindamycin, each designed for a specific application.

Dalacin T lotion is used primarily for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes spots on the face, back or chest. Dalacin T lotion is applied directly to the affected skin areas to reduce inflammation and combat the bacteria that can make acne worse.

Dalacin cream is a medicine used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.

We can prescribe Dalacin T lotion to treat acne and Dalacin cream 2% to treat BV, if appropriate for you. We can also prescribe some alternative acne and BV treatments.

Find out more about the acne treatments we offer.

Find out more about the BV treatments we offer.

Clindamycin, the active ingredient in Dalacin, is an antibiotic. It clears up bacterial infections by blocking a protein that the bacteria need to reproduce and survive. Clindamycin also acts as an anti-inflammatory which can help to soothe the inflammation of acne.

To treat acne, Dalacin T lotion should be applied twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Shake the bottle well before use, and wash the affected area before applying the lotion. Apply a thin film of the lotion to the affected areas by gently rubbing it into your skin, using a cotton pad or your fingers.

Wash and dry your hands before and after using the lotion.

To treat bacterial vaginosis (BV), Dalacin cream comes with seven dispensers, one for each application. To use, insert one application of Dalacin cream 2% (5g) into the vagina once daily, before you go to bed, for seven consecutive days.

To fill the applicator for each use, pierce the sealed end of the tube and screw the open end of the applicator tightly onto the tube of cream. Squeeze the tube, filling the applicator with cream. Remove the applicator from the tube and reseal the tube. Gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Push the plunger to release the cream. Dispose of the applicator.

It is not recommended to use Dalacin cream during your period.

Sexual intercourse during the infection and during treatment with Dalacin cream is not recommended. If you do have sex while using Dalacin Cream, be aware that it can cause latex condoms and diaphragms to weaken and break, so you would need to use alternative contraception.

The amount of Dalacin T lotion that you use will depend on the area that you’re treating. You should only apply a thin layer of the lotion to the skin that needs to be treated.

The amount of Dalacin cream that is used for BV is controlled by the applicator. The usual dose is one applicator (5g), inserted into the vagina once a day before bed for seven nights in a row.

While Dalacin T lotion can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, other treatments may be more effective. It’s possible to develop resistance to the antibiotic in Dalacin, meaning that it stops working. Where possible, it’s preferable to use combination treatments which combine an antibiotic with a different kind of treatment. Dalacin T lotion is mostly helpful for people who are unable to tolerate other types of acne treatment.

For BV, Dalacin cream is an effective treatment. It specifically targets the bacteria responsible for the infection and helps restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. By reducing the number of harmful bacteria, Dalacin cream helps alleviate the unpleasant symptoms associated with BV, such as abnormal vaginal discharge and odour.

Like any medicine, Dalacin may have some side effects.

Common side effects of Dalacin T lotion include skin irritation (which may include symptoms such as burning, itching, peeling), hives, dryness of skin, and seborrhoea (oiliness of the skin).

If a severe reaction occurs, please stop using Dalacin T, and seek medical advice.

Common side effects of Dalacin cream include: vaginal irritation and itching; vaginal thrush or vaginal discharge; diarrhoea; stomach cramps.

It’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet for Dalacin T lotion or for Dalacin cream for a comprehensive list of possible side effects. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin or any other ingredients in this medicine listed on the Patient Information Leaflet for Dalacin T lotion or Dalacin cream.

If you’re using Dalacin T lotion to treat acne and are pregnant, you should only use Dalacin T if clearly needed, following discussion with a doctor. You will also need to discuss using Dalacin T with a doctor if you’re breastfeeding as it’s possible for the active substance in Dalacin T to be passed into breast milk.

If you’re pregnant and think you have BV, please speak with your GP, midwife or local sexual health clinic for further advice as you may need additional testing before starting treatment.

If you’re using Dalacin cream to treat BV, as with all vaginal infections, you should avoid having sex or using a tampon while using Dalacin. Remember that Dalacin can cause latex condoms and diaphragms to weaken, so if you are using these as your main method of contraception and do have sex, you should use an alternative contraceptive.

Dalacin’s main ingredient clindamycin is an antibiotic, and other medicines can interact with it. You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking, have taken or plan to take any other medicines.

Note: If you have a history of irritable bowel disease or antibiotic colitis, you should not use either Dalacin cream or Dalacin T lotion. In this case, please speak to your doctor about alternative acne or BV treatments.

If you don’t want to use Dalacin T lotion to treat your acne, there are several different types of prescription creams and gels that can help treat your acne. If your acne is mild, it’s best to use topical creams and gels alone to treat your skin. If your acne is more severe, these can be used in combination with an antibiotic tablet.

Some medications, including progesterone only methods of contraception such as the progesterone only pill (the mini-pill) can make acne worse. If you’re a woman between the ages of 16 and 50 we may be able to prescribe a combined oral contraceptive pill which can help to reduce the hormones that can increase acne. If suitable, the oral contraceptive can be taken with a topical cream or gel.

For more information, see Boots Online Doctor acne treatment service.

If you don’t want to use Dalacin cream to treat BV or it’s not right for you, there are alternative treatments that can help. For example, metronidazole is another antibiotic that works in a similar way to treat BV. Your doctor will decide what treatment is suitable for you.

To find out what options are available, visit the Boots Online Doctor BV Treatment service.

If you don’t want to use medication to treat your acne, there are things you can do to improve your skin. Try to avoid the triggers that can make acne worse. Oil-based make-up and cosmetics can block pores and may make your acne worse. You can also use an unfragranced oil-free cleanser no more than twice a day to clean your skin but avoid drying out your skin by scrubbing or cleansing it more than twice a day. If you use a moisturiser, make sure that it’s unfragranced and oil-free or non-comedogenic. Picking and squeezing spots spreads the germs that cause acne and increases inflammation.

There is also some evidence that having a balanced diet may help your acne and you should drink plenty of water.

Unfortunately, if you don’t want to use Dalacin cream to treat BV, there aren’t any non-drug alternatives to clear the infection. BV can clear itself through the body’s natural process of restoring the vagina’s natural environment, but this can take up to two weeks. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after two weeks you should speak with your doctor or healthcare provider to rule out any other possible causes.

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions for treating BV. Preventing an infection can be challenging, as it’s not always obvious why it starts and it can come back even after it clears. But there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting BV again by maintaining the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. This includes avoiding perfumed bath oils and hygiene products, douching, or wearing thongs and tight nylon tights.

BV, short for bacterial vaginosis, is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Normally, the vagina contains a delicate balance of various types of bacteria, including "good" bacteria called lactobacilli. However, when the levels of lactobacilli decrease and other bacteria overgrow, it can lead to BV. This imbalance can result in unpleasant symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge and/or a fishy odour.

The exact cause of BV is not fully understood, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing this vaginal infection. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sexual activity. Having multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of developing BV. However, BV can also occur in women who are not sexually active. Other factors, such as douching, using certain feminine hygiene products, and hormonal changes, can also contribute to the development of BV.

When using Dalacin T lotion to treat acne, it may take a few weeks for your symptoms to improve. If you haven’t seen any improvement after using Dalacin lotion for six weeks, contact your healthcare provider to discuss an alternative solution.

The time it takes for Dalacin cream to clear BV can vary from person to person. Generally, noticeable improvements in BV symptoms can be observed within a few days of starting treatment. However, it’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed (usually a 7-day regimen), even if symptoms subside earlier.

If your symptoms persist after you’ve finished the course of antibiotics, it may be because of a different cause such as a sexually transmitted infection. In this case you should contact your GP or local sexual health clinic.

Yes, Dalacin cream contains clindamycin, which is a potent antibiotic. It effectively targets the bacteria causing BV and helps eliminate the infection. It’s important to use Dalacin cream as directed by your healthcare provider and adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen to ensure the most effective results.

Dalacin cream is a prescription medicine and is not available over the counter. To buy Dalacin cream for the treatment of BV, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider. You can get this from visiting your GP or through a trusted online provider like Boots Online Doctor. Just complete our short questionnaire and we can prescribe Dalacin cream or an alternative BV treatment if suitable for you. Choose whether to pick it up from your local Boots pharmacy or have it delivered discreetly to your door – simple.

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BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but can be triggered by sexual activity. Unprotected sex between a man and a woman can trigger a BV infection in the woman and it’s possible to pass BV from one partner to another if both partners are women. However, it’s not possible for a woman to pass the infection to a man.

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Its symptoms can include a thin grey or white vaginal discharge and/or a fishy smell.

Soreness, itching and burning when passing urine are not common symptoms of BV. If you’re experiencing these, it could be a sign of an STI or other infection. Please make sure to get tested if this is a concern.