Relactagel gel is an over-the-counter lactic-acid vaginal gel that helps restore vaginal pH and ease symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It delivers acidity and glycogen to support a healthier vaginal microbiome and can be used as a short treatment or for brief post-period prevention. The product comes as single-dose Relactagel applicators 7x5ml for measured, hygienic dosing.
Each 5 ml applicator contains lactic acid (commonly formulated as sodium lactate) and glycogen in a gel base of propylene glycol and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, with sodium hydroxide and water completing the formulation. Laboratory testing finds lactic acid concentrations around 3,000–3,700 mg/L (about 0.38% w/v) and a formulation pH near 3.75–5.0. The acidity lowers vaginal pH quickly while glycogen provides substrate to support lactobacilli recovery, though clinical effects vary between studies.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Over-the-counter lactic-acid vaginal gel (sodium lactate plus glycogen) supplied in single-dose 5 ml applicators that lowers vaginal pH and can treat mild BV or provide short-term prevention.
- Dosing: One 5 ml applicator nightly for seven nights to treat an episode; for short-term post-period prevention use one applicator nightly for 2–3 nights. Follow single-dose applicator hygiene and discard each applicator after use.
- Effectiveness: Lowers pH and supplies glycogen to support lactobacilli recovery, but clinical benefit is modest compared with antibiotics for immediate cure. Some people get symptom relief while others may need antibiotics for faster results.
- Side effects: Most users experience only mild, short-lived irritation or burning; stop and seek advice if symptoms are severe, allergic, or persistent. Check the ingredients if you have known sensitivities and speak with a pharmacist about possible allergens.
- When to seek care: See a clinician or pharmacist if symptoms don’t improve within a week, worsen, or recur often, since antibiotics may be required. Seek urgent review for fever, severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or any symptoms during pregnancy.
What relactagel gel is and how it works
Relactagel gel restores vaginal acidity when BV raises pH above about 4.5. Lactic acid lowers pH immediately while glycogen supplies food to help surviving lactobacilli repopulate and re-establish an acidic, protective environment. Product-driven microbiome changes are often modest and study findings vary, so results are not guaranteed for every person. Below is a summary of trial evidence that shows how these mechanisms translate into symptom relief and recurrence. For more detail on how microbiome shifts relate to symptoms see a recent microbiome study.
What the evidence says: effectiveness and recurrence
The VITA randomized trial (about 518 participants) compared an intravaginal lactic acid gel with oral metronidazole and found higher short-term cure rates with antibiotics. At two weeks roughly 47% of lactic acid users reported symptom resolution versus about 70% with metronidazole. By six months recurrence remained common in both groups, showing long-term prevention is difficult with either approach; see the full VITA randomized trial report for complete results.
Smaller trials of products such as Lactal and Acidform show that lactic acid gels can lower pH and relieve symptoms for some users, but sample sizes and follow-up are limited. Several individual clinical reports and analyses summarize these trials—examples include printable study reports and trial files such as the PLOS One study and other review articles—so evidence for this class is mixed.
There are no large randomized trials that specifically name Relactagel gel with extended follow-up, so evidence for this brand is inferred from the broader class of lactic/lactate products. That limits how confidently long-term outcomes can be generalized to each formulation.
If you prefer to avoid systemic antibiotics and your symptoms are mild, a lactic acid gel like Relactagel gel is a reasonable non-systemic option that may reduce discharge and odour. For faster symptom relief or more severe disease, oral metronidazole or topical clindamycin provides higher immediate cure rates. Symptom severity, personal preference, and plans for follow-up testing should guide the treatment choice.
How to use relactagel gel: dosing and step-by-step application
Standard treatment is one 5 ml applicator nightly for seven nights; for short-term prevention after your period use one applicator nightly for 2–3 nights. Before use check the seal and expiry date, wash your hands, and use each applicator once only to avoid contamination.
- Check the applicator packaging is sealed and not expired, then wash your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the applicator cap and lie on your back with knees bent and legs slightly apart.
- Gently insert the applicator nozzle into the vagina as far as is comfortable (do not force)
- Squeeze the applicator to release the full contents (5 ml) into the vagina.
- Withdraw the applicator and discard it immediately; do not reuse single-dose applicators.
- Stay lying down for a few minutes or use a panty liner to reduce leakage; using the gel at bedtime helps it remain in place.
- Avoid tampons and douching during treatment. If you have sex while treating, use a condom because the gel is not a contraceptive.
Read the patient leaflet for product-specific guidance and stop use if you develop severe irritation, swelling, or signs of allergy. Seek pharmacist or clinician reassessment if symptoms persist after a full course. Keep a record of the batch number and expiry date when reporting problems.
Side effects, allergies and safety considerations
Most users report only mild, short-lived side effects such as light vaginal irritation or a brief burning sensation after application, and these commonly resolve without treatment. Serious systemic reactions were not common in trials, but marked redness, swelling, intense itching, spreading irritation, fever, or worsening symptoms require stopping the product and prompt medical review.
True allergic reactions are uncommon but possible, so check the patient leaflet for excipients and consult a pharmacist if you have known sensitivities. Some glycogen sources are derived from shellfish or maize, so inspect ingredients carefully if you have those allergies and ask a clinician before starting treatment.
Do not use damaged, leaking, or expired applicators, because compromised packaging increases infection risk and reduces dosing accuracy. Data on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited, so discuss risks and alternatives with your clinician; if severe symptoms or fever develop seek urgent care, otherwise arrange follow-up if symptoms do not improve after treatment.
Alternatives and when to see a clinician
If you need a rapid cure, antibiotics remain the more effective option, with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin producing higher short-term cure rates than lactic acid gels. Lactic approaches avoid systemic antibiotics and suit people who prefer non-antibiotic care, but immediate cure rates are lower, so consider urgency and symptom severity when choosing therapy.
Combining an antibiotic to clear an episode followed by maintenance or probiotic strategies can be sensible for frequent relapses. Adjunct live biotherapeutics are an emerging tool; trials such as LACTIN-V suggest reduced recurrence when used after antibiotics, but these products are different from standard over-the-counter gels and evidence is still developing.
Seek urgent review for red-flag symptoms such as fever, severe pelvic pain, heavy or unusual bleeding, or any symptoms during pregnancy. If symptoms persist beyond 7–14 days or episodes recur frequently, arrange testing (microscopy/Amsel criteria or a Nugent score) and a tailored management plan that may include antibiotics and maintenance options.
Where to buy, pricing and how Pharmhealth helps
Relactagel gel is available over the counter from pharmacies across Ireland. Typical prices are around €14.49–€14.85, so compare options and your budget before buying.
Buy from a registered pharmacy and check expiry dates and packaging integrity, being cautious of unusually low prices that may indicate counterfeit stock. Store unopened applicators sealed at room temperature away from direct heat and strong sunlight.
Pharmhealth stocks genuine products and offers free click & collect collection plus discreet delivery, with pharmacist advice available for questions about allergies, interactions, or suitability. For working professionals, next-day delivery and round-the-clock counter support make buying and getting advice convenient.
- Is it safe in pregnancy? Data on relactagel gel during pregnancy are limited, so speak to your GP or pharmacist before using any treatment. Your clinician can advise whether to proceed or recommend an alternative approach.
- What if symptoms don’t improve after a week? See your GP for testing such as microscopy or a swab and discuss antibiotic treatment if needed. Recurrent episodes may require a tailored prevention plan.
What to do next with relactagel gel
Relactagel gel provides a convenient over-the-counter option to restore vaginal pH and help manage mild BV symptoms. Follow the correct dosing and application steps, and arrange clinical review if symptoms persist or recur. Order from Pharmhealth’s online shop and choose click-and-collect or next-day delivery to begin treatment promptly. If symptoms don’t improve within one week or they return, speak to a pharmacist at the 24-hour counter for a confidential assessment and onward care to help plan longer-term prevention if necessary. For broader clinical context on BV treatments and outcomes, see a recent clinical review.
