What Is Relagard? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If your doctor prescribed Relagard and you want to understand exactly what it is, how it works, and why you're taking it, this guide covers everything you need to know. Relagard is a vaginal gel that plays an important — if less widely discussed — role in women's vaginal health. Here's the complete picture.

What Is Relagard?

Relagard is a brand-name vaginal gel that contains two active ingredients:

Glacial Acetic Acid (0.9%): A mild organic acid — the same type found in vinegar — that acidifies the vaginal environment

Oxyquinoline (0.025%): An antiseptic compound that provides additional antimicrobial activity

Together, these ingredients restore and maintain the natural acidic pH of the vagina, which normally falls in the range of 3.8 to 4.3. The gel is applied vaginally using an applicator and is classified as a topical anti-infective. Other brand names for the same formulation include Fem pH, Aci-Jel, and Acid Jelly.

What Is Relagard Used For?

Relagard is used to treat and prevent conditions related to altered vaginal pH. The vagina is naturally acidic — this acidity is maintained primarily by beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria that produce lactic acid. When vaginal pH rises above the normal range (for example, during menstruation, after antibiotic use, or due to hormonal changes), it creates conditions that favor bacterial overgrowth and infection.

Conditions Relagard is used for include:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Used as adjunctive therapy to restore pH while antibiotics (metronidazole or clindamycin) treat the infection

Recurrent BV prevention: Ongoing maintenance use between antibiotic courses to keep vaginal pH in the healthy range

Vaginal pH imbalance: Management of pH shifts caused by menstruation, sexual activity, hormonal changes, or medication use

Yeast infection prevention: An acidic vaginal environment is less hospitable to Candida overgrowth

Is Relagard FDA-Approved?

No — Relagard is not FDA-approved. It falls into a category of drugs that the FDA permits to remain on the market under enforcement discretion because they have a long history of use and there are no adequate FDA-approved alternatives for their indications. This does not mean the product is unsafe, but it does mean it has not undergone the formal new drug application (NDA) review process. Your prescriber has evaluated the benefits and risks and determined Relagard is appropriate for your situation.

Relagard Dosage: How Much Do You Use?

Relagard is available as a 0.9%-0.025% vaginal gel in a 50-gram tube with an applicator. The standard dosing is:

One applicatorful inserted vaginally every morning and evening (twice daily)

Duration of use is determined by your provider based on your response to therapy

Always follow your prescriber's specific instructions, which may differ from general guidelines

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How to Use Relagard: Step-by-Step

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

Attach the enclosed applicator to the tube by screwing it on clockwise

Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator barrel with gel

Detach the applicator and gently insert it into the vagina as far as is comfortable

Press the plunger to deposit the gel, then remove the applicator

Wash your hands again after use; clean the applicator with warm soapy water if reusing

Important Precautions

Do NOT take Relagard by mouth — for vaginal use only

Do not use tampons during treatment; use a deodorant-free pad instead

Keep away from eyes (can cause burning if contact occurs)

Store at room temperature; do not store in a bathroom

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Relagard

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Getting Your Relagard Prescription Filled

Relagard can be difficult to find at large chain pharmacies. If your usual pharmacy doesn't have it, medfinder can locate which nearby pharmacies have it in stock. For saving money on your prescription, see our guide to Relagard coupons and discounts in 2026.