Clindamycin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent and to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It comes in many forms. Read about the form you are using.

How does it work?

• Clindamycin inhibits or kills bacteria.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take entire prescription as directed even if feeling better.

Oral:

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Take with full glass of water.

Vaginal application:

• Use cream vaginally only.
• Medicine works best if used at bedtime.
• Keep out of eyes. Can cause burning.
• Do not have sexual intercourse while using.

Skin application:

• For skin only. Do not take by mouth. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Shake lotion well before using.
• Remove pledget from foil. Use once and throw away.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected area before use.
• Use a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in gently.
• Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not have sexual intercourse within 3 days of using the vaginal cream. It contains mineral oil. Mineral oil can weaken condoms and diaphragms. This could cause pregnancy.
• 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

Skin application:

• Dryness, redness, burning, peeling, oily skin, and itching.

Vaginal application:

• Vaginal itching and irritation.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection if you are being treated for an active infection.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe diarrhea. Do not take any medicine to slow diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• 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, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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