Clindamycin Cream for Bacterial Vaginosis

Clindamycin Cream for Bacterial Vaginosis
Prescription Only Medicine (POM)

Prescription only medicine

  • Antibiotic cream for bacterial vaginosis (BV)
  • One applicator at bedtime for 7 nights
  • Free online clinical assessment by a UK prescriber
  • Private prescription included
  • Fast UK delivery*

If you have the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, such as a thin discharge with a fishy smell, we may be able to help. You’ll need to complete a simple online consultation so our prescribers can recommend the best option for you.

£29.99
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Product information: Clindamycin Cream for Bacterial Vaginosis

What is clindamycin cream?

Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream is a prescription antibiotic cream used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). You apply it inside your vagina using an applicator, so the medicine works directly where the infection is. It stops the bacteria that overgrow in the vagina and cause BV symptoms from growing.

Clindamycin cream is one of the treatments recommended in UK guidance for BV, and it can be a good option if metronidazole is not suitable for you. Your prescriber will check your medical history to make sure it is safe for you.

Who can get clindamycin cream for BV?

Clindamycin cream may be suitable if you:

  • Are a woman aged 18 or over
  • Have an unusual vaginal discharge that is thin, white or grey
  • Notice a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex
  • Do not have itching, soreness or pelvic pain
  • Cannot use metronidazole, or would prefer a treatment you apply inside the vagina

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be more common after a new sexual partner. Our prescribers will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.

During your online consultation, we’ll ask you about:

  • Your symptoms, including any discharge, smell or itching
  • Any pelvic pain, fever, bleeding or sores
  • Whether you could have a sexually transmitted infection
  • Any medical conditions you have, especially bowel problems such as colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Past or present allergies to medicines
  • Any medication or treatments you’re currently having
  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

This will help your prescriber find a treatment that’s safe and effective for you. Antibiotics are only prescribed when clinically appropriate to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.

How it works

1

Online consultation

Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.

2

Clinical review

A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.

3

Receive your prescription

If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.

Delivery Information

Royal Mail Tracked 24

1–2 working days
£3.99

Royal Mail Special Delivery

Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95

Discreet Packaging

All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.

Side Effects

Like any treatment, clindamycin cream can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are mild and pass with time, such as:

  • Vaginal thrush
  • Vaginal itching, irritation or discharge
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain or diarrhoea

We’ll explain what to look out for and ways to manage any side effects.

Rarely, clindamycin can cause a serious bowel infection. Stop using it and get urgent medical advice if you develop severe or long-lasting diarrhoea, especially if it contains blood or mucus, even if this happens weeks after finishing treatment.

Please call 999 or go straight to A&E if you have:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

If you notice any changes not listed above or if any side effects become difficult to manage, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance. You can also report it through the Yellow Card Scheme to help others take their medication safely.

Frequently asked questions about Clindamycin Cream for Bacterial Vaginosis

You can only buy clindamycin cream online for BV if it’s been prescribed to you by a UK-registered prescriber after a clinical assessment.

If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, you can complete an online consultation reviewed by one of our experienced UK-registered clinicians. They’ll review your symptoms and medical history to decide the best treatment for you. If prescribed, you can order clindamycin cream online through our pharmacy.

We’ll only prescribe clindamycin cream when it’s clinically appropriate. If it isn’t the right treatment for you, we can help you find other options instead and you’ll receive a full refund.

Find more treatments for bacterial vaginosis.

Yes. Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream is one of the treatments recommended by NICE for bacterial vaginosis, and it works well for most women.

Metronidazole is usually tried first. Learn more about metronidazole tablets and metronidazole gel for BV.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy clindamycin 2% vaginal cream online.

BV usually causes a thin, white or grey discharge with a strong fishy smell, but often no itching. Thrush usually causes a thick, white discharge, like cottage cheese, with itching and soreness but no strong smell. BV is treated with an antibiotic, while thrush needs an antifungal treatment.

Dalacin is a brand name for clindamycin 2% vaginal cream. They contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.

Metronidazole tablets or gel are usually the first choice for BV. Clindamycin cream is a good alternative if metronidazole is not suitable for you, for example because of an allergy or side effects, or because you cannot avoid alcohol during treatment. Your prescriber can help you decide which is best for you.

You cannot buy clindamycin cream over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy clindamycin cream for BV.

If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy clindamycin 2% vaginal cream through our online pharmacy with fast UK delivery.

You can order clindamycin 2% vaginal cream through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe clindamycin cream if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for clindamycin cream. If prescribed, you can order clindamycin cream online with fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

No. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, so male partners don’t need treatment. If you have a female partner, she may want to get checked if she has symptoms.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the leaflet in the pack, and complete the full course even if your symptoms clear.

  • Use one applicator of cream inside your vagina once a day at bedtime, for 7 nights in a row.
  • Fill the applicator from the tube, lie on your back with your knees bent, gently insert the applicator and push the plunger to release the cream.
  • Use a new applicator each night and wash your hands before and after.
  • Avoid sex while you use the cream, and avoid tampons, douches and other vaginal products.

If you forget a dose, use it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

The usual dose is one full applicator (about 5g of cream) once a day at bedtime for 7 nights. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Yes. Clindamycin cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so they may not protect you from pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Avoid sex during treatment, and do not rely on latex condoms or diaphragms for at least 3 days after your last dose.

It’s best not to use the cream during your period, as the flow can wash the medicine away. If your period is due, tell your prescriber during your consultation.

Many women notice their symptoms improve within a few days. If your symptoms have not cleared by the end of your course, speak to a GP or sexual health clinic.

Yes. Unlike metronidazole, clindamycin does not react with alcohol, so you do not need to avoid it during treatment.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your prescriber during your consultation. BV in pregnancy should be checked, so you may be advised to see your GP or midwife. Your prescriber will advise whether treatment through our service is right for you.

No. Clindamycin cream does not affect the contraceptive pill or other hormonal contraception. But, it can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.

BV comes back in many women within a few months of treatment. To lower your risk:

  • Use water and plain soap to wash your genital area, and have showers instead of baths
  • Do not use douches, vaginal washes or perfumed products
  • Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear

If you get BV more than twice in 6 months, speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic.

Speak to a GP or sexual health clinic if you:

  • Have pain in your lower tummy or pelvis, or a high temperature
  • Have unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex or between periods
  • Notice sores, blisters or lumps around your genitals
  • Think you could have a sexually transmitted infection
  • Are pregnant and have unusual discharge

These symptoms need to be checked in person rather than waiting for a delivery.

Clinical content reviewed by

Hussain Member

Superintendent Pharmacist GPhC 2221167

References

  1. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Bacterial vaginosis. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bacterial-vaginosis/
  2. NHS. Bacterial vaginosis. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/
  3. EMC Patient Information Leaflet (Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream). Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.100759.pdf