Dalacin cream

How does it work?

Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic called a lincosamide. It interferes with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to multiply and divide. This inhibits the ability of the bacteria to grow (bacteriostatic) and therefore, stops the spread of the infection. Clindamycin has a similar range of antibacterial activity to the penicillins and is useful as an alternative antibiotic in those people who are allergic to penicillins or for infections caused by bacteria called staphylococci that have become resistant to penicillin. In addition it is active against anaerobes (bacteria that are able to live and grow in the absence of free oxygen). However, it is not a widely used antibiotic because the risk of developing antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon) is greater with clindamycin compared to other antibiotics. This usually results in severe diarrhoea and clindamycin should be stoppped immediately if this occurs. It is available as a cream which is used to treat bacterial vaginal infections.

What is it used for?

Bacterial vaginosis

Warning!

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe, prolonged and/or bloody diarrhoea while taking this medicine, as it may be necessary for you to stop treatment.

This medicine may cause micro-organisms which are resistant to the antibiotic medicine, to overgrow, particularly yeast. This may cause the infection to get worse. If so, this medicine should be stopped and your doctor consulted.

This medicine may weaken and damage the rubber of condoms and diaphragms making them less effective. Extra precautions should be taken.

Use with caution in

Children less than 15 years of age

People over 60 years of age

Not to be used in

Allergy to the antibiotic lincomycin

Children under 12 years of age

Diarrhoea

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

No safety information is available in pregnancy. Avoid use in pregnancy particularly during the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Diarrhoea

Heartburn

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

Dizziness

Irritation of the vagina (vulvo-vaginal irritation)

Itchy rash (urticaria)

Gastric disturbances including nausea, vomiting, gastric discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea

Inflammation of the lining of the vagina (vaginitis)

Inflammation of the neck (cervix) of the uterus (cervicitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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