Gyno-Daktarin products are used to treat fungal infections of the vagina, such as vaginal thrush, vulvovaginal candidosis, superinfection due to Gram-positive bacteria.
How does it work?
- Gyno-Daktarin vaginal capsules and cream both contain the active ingredient miconazole. Miconazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Gyno-Daktarin products are used to treat fungal infections of the vagina, such as vaginal thrush.
- Miconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.
- The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As miconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out.
How do I use it?
- Gyno-Daktarin vaginal capsule is a single-dose treatment. It should be inserted into the vagina just before going to bed.
- Remove the capsule from its packet by pushing it through the foil. Lie on your back and push the capsule as far as you can into your vagina using your forefinger.
- Wash your hands before and after inserting the capsule.
- Gyno-Daktarin vaginal cream is a course of treatment. Your doctor may ask you to insert the cream into the vagina once a day for 10 to 14 days, or twice a day for 7 days. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- The cream should be inserted into the vagina using the applicator provided. Follow the instructions in the leaflet supplied with the medicine.
- The cream can also be applied thinly to the vulva and surrounding area twice a day to treat infection outside the vagina. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after using the cream.
- Gyno-Daktarin products will not stain clothes, but as there may be some leakage of the medicine from the vagina, it is recommended that you use a light sanitary towel during treatment.
- You can use the medicine while you are having your period.
- It is important to finish the prescribed course of Gyno-Daktarin vaginal cream, even if it seems the infection has cleared up because any itching and discharge has got better. This is to make sure that the infection is fully treated and thus reduce the chance of it coming back.
Not to be used in
- Children.
- 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.
- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the nursing infant. 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. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 women)
- Vaginal itching and burning sensation.
- Vaginal discomfort.
Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 women)
- Pelvic cramps.
- Rash.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine'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.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.
- Miconazole is unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream in sufficient amounts from the vagina to affect other medicines that you are taking by mouth. However, if you are taking warfarin to prevent blood clots, there is a small chance that this medicine may enhance the effect of the warfarin. If you are taking warfarin your doctor may therefore want to monitor your blood-clotting time (INR) during and after a course of this medicine.
References:
https://www.drugs.com/uk/gyno-daktarin-1200mg-vaginal-capsule-leaflet.html
https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/infection/a6821/gyno-daktarin-miconazole/
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1437/smpc
http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2155738.PPA0465_291_001.e95d7f23-be85-4e23-9fa5-70260757dd16.000001Gyno-Daktarin%20PIL.150122.pdf
https://patient.info/medicine/miconazole-for-vaginal-thrush-gyno-daktarin
https://www.mims.co.uk/drugs/genito-urinary-system/genital-infections/gyno-daktarin-cream