Clindamycin

U.S. Brand Names

Cleocin HCl®; Cleocin Pediatric®; Cleocin Phosphate®; Cleocin T®; Cleocin®; Cleocin® Vaginal Ovule; Clindagel®; ClindaMax®; ClindaReach™; Clindesse™; Evoclin®

Canadian Brand Names

Alti-Clindamycin; Apo-Clindamycin®; Clindamycin Injection, USP; Clindoxyl®; Dalacin® C; Dalacin® T; Dalacin® Vaginal; Gen-Clindamycin; Novo-Clindamycin; PMS-Clindamycin; ratio-Clindamycin; Riva-Clindamycin; Taro-Clindamycin

Mexican Brand Names

Biodaclin; Clidets; Clinamsa; Cutaclin 1%; Dalacin C; Galecin; Klamoxyl; Klin-Amsa; Lisiken; Trexen

Pharmacologic Category

Antibiotic, Lincosamide; Topical Skin Product, Acne

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine can cause severe diarrhea. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to clindamycin or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Liver disease or severe diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

• Clindamycin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

All forms:

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

Oral:

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Skin:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Shake lotion well before use.

• Remove pledget from foil. Use once and throw away.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

• Apply foam onto cool surface or into cap. Do not place foam directly in hands.

Vaginal:

• Use cream vaginally.

• Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Use at bedtime.

• Do not have sexual intercourse while using this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

All forms:

• If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain tartrazine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Condoms or diaphragms may not work to prevent pregnancy. Use another form of birth control while taking this medicine and for 72 hours after treatment ends.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Skin:

• Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

• Skin irritation.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Severe skin irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Protect foam from heat.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 11:33:21.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:11:47.0

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