Gyno-Daktarin Cream

What is Gyno-Daktarin Cream?

Gyno-Daktarin is a cream that both clears and treats the symptoms of vaginal thrush. It can be used internally or externally, by inserting the cream into your vagina or by applying it directly to any areas of skin that are affected.

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans, which is found naturally in your body. Also known as a yeast infection, the condition is often mistaken for an STI (sexually transmitted infection), and although sex can be a trigger for a fungal infection developing, it isn’t classed as such. It’s uncommon for thrush to spread person-to-person, but it can sometimes happen. A clinician can advise you about getting help for your partner if you think they also have a fungal infection.

Once you’ve developed vaginal thrush, it’s common to experience symptoms like itching and burning, and fissure-like cuts might appear on your vagina. A change in smell, an unusual, thick discharge and pain when urinating are all signs that you’ve developed a fungal infection.

How does Gyno-Daktarin Cream work?

Miconazole nitrate, the active ingredient in Gyno-Daktarin, is an antifungal that is used to treat a range of infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Like vaginal thrush, these infections are all caused by fungi.

Fungi are microorganisms that are found in most habitats, but usually grow on land. There are three main groups of fungi: multicellular filamentous moulds (or just ‘mould’ to you and me), macroscopic filamentous fungi (you know them as mushrooms, but there’s a little more to the organism than just the mushroom bit) and then there’s single celled microscopic yeasts.

Yeast is the fungus responsible for vaginal thrush, and is known as an opportunistic pathogen because it only becomes harmful to you in certain conditions. Most yeast and fungi thrive in warm, acidic, sugary and oxygen-rich environments.

Candida albicans is a species of yeast that lives naturally in your gastrointestinal tract. When your immune system is low, an overgrowth of candida can occur which upsets your body’s balance of yeast and bacteria, resulting in a fungal infection.

Gyno-Daktarin works by destroying the fungi that causes vaginal thrush. Treatment is usually recommended for 7 days.

What doses of Gyno-Daktarin Cream are there?

Gyno-Daktarin cream comes in a 78mg tube. The tube contains 20mg/g of miconazole nitrate.

The cream can treat vaginal thrush in two ways.

To target the cause of your thrush and clear the infection completely, insert Gyno-Daktarin into your vagina daily, before bed, over the course of 7 days.
To treat external vaginal thrush symptoms, apply a thin, even layer of the cream to the affected area twice a day. A clinician can give you advice about how long to use the cream for, and what to do if your infection hasn’t cleared up after a week.

How to use Gyno-Daktarin Cream

The first thing you’ll need to do is pierce the tube. This can be done using the cap, by unscrewing it and inverting it so the pointed end can puncture a hole in the seal.

To use your topical Gyno-Daktarin to soothe vaginal thrush symptoms such as itching, burning or soreness, you need to gently rub a thin layer of cream into any affected areas twice a day. This will reduce the swelling and inflammation on and around your vagina, and should relieve any urges you might get to scratch yourself.

To destroy the fungus completely, Gyno-Daktarin can be used over 7 days by inserting the cream using the applicator provided. This should be done before bedtime the following way:

• Remove the cap from the tube
• Screw the yellow end of the applicator (with the green band) onto the tube
• Squeeze the tube while slowly pulling the inner white plunger of the applicator
  Unscrew the filled applicator, and put the cap back on the tube
• Lie down with your knees bent and legs spread apart
• Insert the yellow end of the applicator (with the green band) well into your vagina
• Push the plunger firmly but gently as far as it can go
• Remove the applicator and bin it
• Wash your hands with soap and water

You can use a sanitary towel if you’re concerned about leaking, but Gyno-Daktarin won’t stain your skin or clothes after you’ve used it.

Is Gyno-Daktarin Cream an effective treatment for vaginal thrush?

Imidazoles have been used extensively since the 1970s, and are known for their antifungal properties. Miconazole has been used worldwide to treat millions of patients, which makes it a reliable and effective choice for treating your vaginal thrush.

If you’re pregnant or planning on having a baby, it’s best to make sure you’re fully informed about the risks of using a topical antifungal medication. A clinician can advise you about the safety of all the thrush treatments available.

How long does it take Gyno-Daktarin Cream to work?

There’s no fixed answer to how long a yeast infection will take to clear, but you’ll be advised to use Gyno-Daktarin for a full week if you’re using it internally. This allows the cream to destroy the fungus completely, and it could work in as little as two days.

Using a topical cream to treat thrush symptoms like itching and burning by applying Gyno-Daktarin directly to your skin might not be enough to fully clear the infection. In that case, you might be recommended another treatment, such as a single-dose capsule or pessary, to use alongside the cream.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Gyno-Daktarin Cream

Medication should always be taken as advised by a health professional. Keep using your Gyno-Daktarin as recommended, and finish the course even if your symptoms have cleared up.

There’s no need to overuse the cream (by taking a double dose) if you forget to take it. Just carry on applying it at the times you normally would. In the unlikely event of swallowing a large amount of the cream, head to your nearest casualty department immediately.