Dupearl 1%/5% gel

Introduction

Expert Advice

Store this medicine in a cool, dry place, away from heat.

Avoid this medication if:

• You are allergic to this medicine or its contents.

Consult your doctor:

• If you are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• If you have a significant medical history, including ulcerative colitis.
• If your symptoms are not improving with this medication within the prescribed time.
• If you have a stomach ache or diarrhea.
• If you develop a fungal infection that causes itching or white patches.
• If you experience more vaginal discharge than before.

Be careful about:

• The use of tampons. This should be avoided, and sanitary napkins that are not scented should be used instead.
• Intercourse while using this medicine may reduce it's effect. This should be avoided. 
• Washing with scented soaps, or douches while taking this medication should also be avoided. This might irritate the area. 
• Try to avoid the cream contacting the eyes. If this does happen, wash with cold running water immediately. If your eye still feels red, or burns/itches, contact your doctor.

How to apply:

• Insert the applicator (with the medicine in it) into the vagina (as far as it would be comfortable)
• Push the plunger slowly, to release the cream.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after use.
• Either use another applicator the next time, or rinse this applicator with warm water and soap.
• Try to lie down after applying it to keep the medicine in place

Primary Uses

Indications

Use of clindamycin is recommended in bacterial vaginosis (vaginal bacterial infections).

Side Effects

Patients using this medication may experience dry skin, dermatitis, diarrhea, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) and pruritis (itching)

Contraindications

This medication is contraindicated in lincomycin sensitivity, history of Inflammatory bowel disease (disease of the intestine) or antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon)

FAQS

Is this drug an antibiotic?

Yes, this cream is an antibiotic which can be used locally.

Will this medicine interfere with the use of condoms?

Using this medicine might make a condom less effective. Kindly discuss other forms of contraceptives with your doctor when you are using this medicine.

How often should I take this medicine?

Apply this medicine as prescribed. It is important to be regular. Applying this medicine on the same time every day will result in the best effects.

Can I stop taking this medicine if I feel better?

Since this is an antibiotic, it should be taken for the amount of days prescribed. Otherwise, the infection might come back. Kindly do not stop taking this medicine even if your symptoms have improved.

Can I use this drug for any fungal infection?

No, this drug should only be used as and when prescribed. This medicine is not an anti-fungal.

Does this ointment help treat sunburns along with acne?

No, it does not. In fact you are strictly advised to avoid its application on sunburnt skin.

What is the most ideal time to apply this ointment?

You are advised to apply it at night, since the medicine is highly sensitive to sun and would result in redness and irritation.

How should the skin dryness-that usually follows benzoyl peroxide’s application, be dealt with?

To avoid dryness; drink plenty of water and fluids and rinse your face with tap water frequently.

What is the method of application of this ointment?

You are advised to wash your hands and the affected region thoroughly with tap water. Followed by application of the ointment over the affected area, using fingertips. Later, wash your hands with water to clean off the left over cream from your fingers.

If left overnight, will it cause any irritation or burning sensation?

Although you are safe to administer this medicine in this manner but if burning follows, discontinue this method and consult your doctor for an alternate way.