Dalacin Cream vs Metronidazole

Vaginal healthcare is an integral part of the general healthcare of a body. Not only is it the most sensitive part of the body, but bacteria in that area can cause serious health complications. Therefore, it is crucial to know the benefits, side effects, and basic facts regarding antibiotic creams, which treat vaginal bacteria, to judge which is better for you – according to your condition. It is also wise to know what you are using on your sex organ.

There are two antibiotics that dominate the market; however, there is a key difference between those two that not many are aware of. With the help of a brief overview, you can decide which antibiotic wins; Dalacin Cream or Metronidazole?

Uses of Dalacin Cream and Metronidazole

Dalacin Vaginal Cream is also referred to as clindamycin topical. Dalacin Cream or Clindamycin is an antibiotic available in a wide variety of forms. The vaginal cream treats infections that occur in the vagina. Certain bacteria cause such infection, and if one starts using Dalacin in earlier days, it can prevent the bacteria from causing an infection. Therefore, the primary function of the vaginal cream is to prevent the growth of the bacteria causing such infections.

On the other hand, Metronidazole has several purposes. Metronidazole belongs to a class of drugs known as nitroimidazole antimicrobials. An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat various types of bacterial and parasitic infections. These include those that impact the skin, vagina, blood, heart, bone, stomach, liver, joints, nervous system, respiratory tract, as well as other parts of the body. However, the most common use of this medicine is the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Remember that the Metronidazole varies – after all, the extended-release form of Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial vaginosis. It is an infection caused by an abundance of harmful bacteria in the vagina. Like the Dalacin Cream, this medicine also works by halting the growth of bacteria and only helps treat infections caused by bacteria. It is important to note that Metronidazole does not work for the common cold, flu, or other viral infections.

Side Effects of Dalacin Cream and Metronidazole

Every medication has side effects – whether that is an oral medication or a cream. However, to assume that each and every individual taking the medication experiences side effects is untrue. With that in mind, here are some common and rare side effects of Dalacin Cream:

Common Side Effects of Dalacin Cream

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Itching of the vagina or genital area
• Nausea or vomiting
• Burning, itching, rash, redness, swelling
• Pain when urinating
• Dense white vaginal discharge with a mild odour (or no odour at all)

Rare Side Effects of Dalacin Cream

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical help: 

• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swollen lips or face, difficulty in breathing etc.)
• Signs of inflammation of the digestive system (for example, abdominal or stomach pain, bloody or watery serious diarrhoea, severe nausea, vomiting)

Side effects to consider when taking metronidazole:

Common Side Effects of Metronidazole

• Depression, trouble sleeping, feeling irritable
• Headache, dizziness, weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• Diarrhoea, constipation
• Metallic taste
• Rash, itching
• Vaginal itching or discharge, pain during sex
• Mouth sores, ulcers or blisters
• Swollen, red, hairy or furry tongue

Rare Side Effects of Metronidazole

• New or worsening symptoms of an infection
• Painful or difficult urination
• Confusion
• A light-headed feeling or fainting spells
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Ulcers in the mouth, red or swollen gums, difficulty swallowing
• Numbness, tingling sensation, or burning pain in hands or feet
• Problems with vision, seeing flashes of light
• Muscle weakness, problems with speech or coordination
• Trouble speaking or processing what is being said
• A seizure
• High fever
• Stiffness in the neck
• Heightened sensitivity to light

Precautions for Dalacin Cream and Metronidazole

It would help if you considered a few things before using Dalacin Cream. You must inform your doctor of the following, so they can judge whether or not you can use the cream accordingly. You must inform your doctor if:

• You have pre-existing allergies concerning any other medicines or any other substances like specific foods, preservatives or dyes
• You are either pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• You are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed
• You have or have had any medical conditions, such as inflammation of the bowels or severe diarrhoea, generally associated with the use of antibiotics.

Similarly, when it comes to Metronidazole, there are precautions one must consider, as the medicine can cause severe harm if used incorrectly. First, you must inform your doctor of your medical history – especially if you have ever had:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• A heart rhythm disorder
• A stomach disease
• An intestinal disease like Crohn's disease
• A blood cell disorder such as anaemia (lack of red blood cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) counts
• A fungal infection in any of your body part
• A nerve disorder

Furthermore, you should avoid the use of this medicine if you are allergic to Metronidazole, secnidazole, or tinidazole or if the following has occurred:

• You consumed alcohol in the past three days
• You consumed food or medicines that contain the ingredient known as propylene glycol in the past three days
• You took disulfiram (Antabuse) within the span of the last 14 days

The Bottom Line

Both the vaginal antibiotic medications serve the same purpose: to treat vaginal bacteria and infections. However, both vary when it comes to side effects, efficacy as well as interactions. Therefore, it is wise to let your primary physician decide which one is better for you since a person's overall health and conditions need to be factored in to choose the best treatment option.