Dalacin 2% Cream for Bacterial Vaginosis: Clindamycin Guide
▶ In short — Dalacin 2% Cream
Dalacin 2% Cream is a prescription vaginal cream containing clindamycin, used to treat bacterial vaginosis. You insert one applicator into the vagina each night for 7 nights. It's an effective alternative to metronidazole — especially if you'd rather avoid oral antibiotics. It can weaken latex condoms, so avoid latex contraception during treatment.
Part of the Access Doctor Bacterial Vaginosis guide. To compare Dalacin with metronidazole and Zidoval, see BV treatment options.
What Is Dalacin 2% Cream?
Dalacin 2% Cream is a prescription vaginal cream that contains clindamycin phosphate — an antibiotic that targets and eliminates the bacteria responsible for bacterial vaginosis (BV). It comes with disposable applicators for easy, hygienic use, and is specifically designed to treat BV. It is not effective against thrush or sexually transmitted infections.
Dalacin is an MHRA-approved treatment for BV and a recognised alternative to metronidazole. If you're not sure BV is what you have, read how BV differs from thrush first, or complete an online consultation so a prescriber can confirm.
How Dalacin Cream Works
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. It works by blocking the production of the proteins bacteria need to survive and multiply. This stops the overgrowth of the anaerobic bacteria (such as Gardnerella vaginalis) that cause BV, allowing your natural protective lactobacilli to re-establish.
Because it's applied directly into the vagina, the medicine acts locally — achieving a high concentration exactly where it's needed while minimising whole-body (systemic) exposure. That local action is why many women choose a cream over oral tablets.
How to Use Dalacin 2% Cream — the 7-Night Course
- Prepare the applicator. Remove the cap from the tube and screw one disposable applicator onto it.
- Fill the applicator. Squeeze the tube from the bottom to push cream into the applicator until the plunger stops moving.
- Insert and administer. Lie on your back with knees bent. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as is comfortable, then slowly push the plunger to empty the cream.
- Dispose and repeat. Remove and discard the applicator, replace the tube cap, and repeat each night for 7 consecutive nights.
Use it at the same time each night — bedtime is ideal so the cream stays in place. Even if symptoms improve after a few days, finish the whole 7-night course; stopping early makes it more likely BV will return.
How fast does it work? Most women notice the discharge and odour settling within 2–3 days, but the full 7-night course is still needed for a reliable cure.
Get Dalacin Cream Online
Complete a free confidential consultation reviewed by GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. Discreet next-day delivery, no GP appointment needed.
Order Dalacin Cream →Safety & Important Considerations
- Latex contraception: Dalacin Cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms for up to 72 hours after use. Avoid intercourse during treatment, or use a non-latex alternative.
- Allergies: Tell your prescriber if you have a known allergy to clindamycin or lincomycin.
- Bowel conditions: Mention any history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis before use.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult a doctor first — Access Doctor's online BV service is not for use in pregnancy.
- Menstruation: Avoid using the cream during your period.
Dalacin is for BV only. It won't treat thrush (candida) or any STI. If you have itching, soreness, pelvic pain or fever, get a proper diagnosis first — these point away from BV.
How to Order Dalacin Online
Dalacin Cream is prescription-only in the UK, but you don't need a GP appointment. Complete a short confidential online consultation; a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews it and, if Dalacin is appropriate, issues a prescription dispatched in discreet packaging — usually next working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dalacin 2% Cream used for?
Dalacin 2% Cream is a prescription vaginal cream used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It contains clindamycin phosphate, which targets and eliminates the bacteria causing BV. It is not effective against thrush or sexually transmitted infections.
How do I use Dalacin 2% Cream?
Fill the disposable applicator by squeezing the tube until the plunger stops. Lie on your back and gently insert the applicator into the vagina. Slowly push the plunger to release the cream, then discard the applicator. Repeat nightly for 7 consecutive nights.
How quickly does Dalacin 2% Cream work?
Many women notice improvement within 2–3 days. However, you must complete the full 7-night course even if symptoms improve earlier. Stopping prematurely risks the infection returning.
Can I use condoms while using Dalacin Cream?
No — Dalacin Cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms for up to 72 hours after use. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, or use a non-latex alternative form of contraception.
Is Dalacin Cream safe during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Dalacin Cream. BV in pregnancy needs supervised treatment, and Access Doctor's online BV service is not for use in pregnancy.
Can I get Dalacin Cream online?
Yes — Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. Complete a short confidential online consultation reviewed by GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. If approved, Dalacin Cream is dispatched for next-day delivery in discreet packaging.
References
- BASHH. UK National Guideline for the Management of Bacterial Vaginosis. 2023. bashh.org/guidelines
- NICE. Bacterial vaginosis: Clinical Knowledge Summary. 2023. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bacterial-vaginosis
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Dalacin Cream 2% w/w: SmPC. 2024. medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4063
- Joint Formulary Committee. Clindamycin. British National Formulary. 2024. bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/clindamycin
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Dalacin Cream is a prescription-only medicine — a medical consultation is required before it can be dispensed. If you are pregnant, or have itching, soreness, pelvic pain or fever, seek in-person assessment. In a medical emergency, call 999.