Gyno-Daktarin Intravaginal Cream

What is Gyno-Daktarin?

Gyno-Daktarin is an antifungal cream which is used to treat vaginal thrush. The cream is used inside the vagina to soothe the symptoms and clear the infection. 

How does Gyno-Daktarin work?

Gyno-Daktarin contains a medicine called Miconazole Nitrate. This antifungal works by killing the fungus and bacteria which cause the infection, stopping it from spreading and clearing the symptoms. 

How long does Gyno-Daktarin take to work?

Gyno-Daktarin cream will usually take 7 days to clear the infection. If your symptoms disappear before this, keep using the medicine for the full 7 days to ensure that the infection is treated properly. 

What causes thrush?

Thrush is caused by the yeast from the Candida fungus. This is naturally present inside the vagina and only causes problems if disruption is caused to the balance of micro-organisms, triggering the Candida fungus to multiply. There are several possible factors which makes thrush more likely to happen: 

• Pregnancy 
• A weakened immune system 
• Antibiotics 
• Poorly controlled diabetes 
• Having sex when you are not fully aroused 
• Menstruating women in their twenties and thirties are more likely to experience thrush 
• Wearing tight clothing 
• Washing with perfumed soaps and body washes 
• Using scented sanitary products 

What are the symptoms of thrush?

The symptoms of thrush can be uncomfortable and include: 

• Itching and soreness around the labia 
• White vaginal discharge 
• Pain during sex 
• A stinging sensation while urinating

How do I know if I have thrush or an STI?

Thrush is a yeast infection which causes external itching and soreness and a white discharge from the vagina. STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea may also cause vaginal discharge which can be white, clear, yellow or green in colour. Genital herpes causes blister like sores. If you have any of these symptoms then you should get tested for STIs. It is possible to have both thrush and a sexually transmitted infection. An STI does not always cause symptoms however so if you are unsure it's best to get checked out. Dr Felix have a range of at home testing kits for maximum discretion. 

Can thrush be passed on during sexual intercourse?

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection but you can pass it on to your sexual partner. If you have thrush, you may want to advise your partner to see their GP for an appropriate treatment. Sexual intercourse can trigger thrush if you experience vaginal dryness or if you have sex without being fully aroused. 

Will Gyno-Daktarin help Bacterial Vaginosis?

Gyno-Daktarin is designed specifically for the treatment of thrush. If you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis then you will need to get treatment which is suitable for the infection. Thrush treatment like Gyno-Daktarin will not help bacterial vaginosis. 

How is male thrush treated?

Male thrush is treated with either Clotrimazole cream or Fluconazole tablets. Gyno-Daktarin should not be used as it is specifically for treating vaginal thrush. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Gyno-Daktarin is Miconazole Nitrate.

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients are purified water, PEG-6, PEG-32, glycol stearate, oleoyl macroglycerides, liquid paraffin, benzoic acid (E210) and butylated hydroxyanisole (E320).

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

There have been reports of severe allergic reactions during the use of Gyno-Daktarin vaginal cream. If a reaction occurs when using the cream, the treatment should be discontinued. Get emergency medical attention right away if you notice a rash, swelling of the face, severe dizziness, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.

How to use Gyno-Daktarin

Gyno-Daktarin should be used once daily inside the vagina. Open the tube of cream and screw the applicator onto the tube with the end marked with the green band. Gently squeeze the tube of cream while pulling the applicator plunger until it reaches the stop mark and unscrew the applicator from the  tube. When you're ready, get into a comfortable position and insert the yellow end of the applicator into the vagina. Push the plunger in as far as it will go to empty the cream into your vagina. Remove it gently and throw out the used applicator, washing your hands after use. It may be comfortable to wear a sanitary pad afterwards. 

Can I use Gyno-Daktarin during my period?

You can use Gyno-Daktarin while on your period.

Use one applicator filled with cream each day. One tube of cream contains 2% Miconazole cream.

Possible side effects include: 

• Irritation inside or around the vagina 

• Itching or burning 

• Skin rash 

• Hives 

• Stomach pain 

• Pelvic cramps 

• Headaches 

• Urine infection 

• Vaginal bleeding 

• Nausea 

• Facial redness 

Signs of an allergic reaction include: 

• Severe irritation or redness 

• Swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat 

• Light headedness 

• Wheezing 

• Difficulty breathing 

If this happens, stop using the medicine right away and seek immediate medical attention. 

Contraindications

You should not use Gyno-Daktarin if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you are under 18.

Talk to your doctor if you are using barrier methods of contraception such as condoms or diaphragms. Gyno-Daktarin can damage the latex.

Avoid sharing towels or flannels with anyone while you are being treated for thrush. 

Drug interactions

Always tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. In particular the following medicines may interfere with your treatment: 

• Anticoagulants such as Warfarin 

• Medications for diabetes 

• Calcium channel blockers 

• Phenytoin 

• Lovastatin 

• Simvastatin 

Gyno-Daktarin and pregnancy

Ask your doctor for advice about using Gyno-Daktarin during pregnancy.  

Alternatives to Gyno-Daktarin

There are several types of treatments for thrush including vaginal pessaries, oral capsules and external thrush cream. Canesten Duo provides either a vaginal pessary or intravaginal cream alongside cream which is applied to the labia to soothe external itching.  

How to prevent thrush

Thrush can be prevented by: 

• Using water and a gentle, emollient soap to wash around the vagina 

• Avoid using perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants, wipes or douches 

• Avoid tight-fitting underwear and tights. There are forms of silk underwear which are designed for women who are prone to thrush

• Keep diabetes under control 

Will thrush go away on its own?

Thrush will not go away on its own without treatment. Dr Felix stock several types of thrush treatments for home delivery. 

Sources

Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1437/pil

NHS Inform> Vaginal Thrush https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/vaginal-thrush#about-vaginal-thrush

NHS Inform> Thrush in Men https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/thrush-in-men