Drugs >  Clindamycin
Clindamycin
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Foreign Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(klin da MYE sin)

Brand Names
Cleocin®; Cleocin 3®; Cleocin HCl®; Cleocin T®; Clinda-Derm® Topical Solution; Clindets® Pledgets; C/T/S® Topical Solution

Foreign Brand Names
Dalacin® C [Hydrochloride] (Canada); Dalacin® C (Mexico); Galecin (Mexico); Klyndaken (Mexico)

Therapeutic Categories
Antibiotic, Miscellaneous

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to clindamycin or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you have a history of pseudomembranous colitis or liver disease.


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:
    • Do not take by mouth. For skin only. 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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