Clindamycin

CAUTION:
Clindamycin may cause colitis, an infection of the colon that can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking clindamycin or within a few weeks of stopping clindamycin, call your doctor without delay: severe persistent diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, or bloody stool. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking clindamycin.

General Information and Indications:

Clindamycin, an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, pelvis, vagina, and abdomen. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Information For Users:

Clindamycin comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth; topical solution, lotion, and gel for skin infections; and vaginal cream. Clindamycin usually is taken every 6 hours for respiratory, pelvis, or abdomen infections or applied twice a day for acne. Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Drink a full glass of water after each dose (capsules and oral liquid).

For acne, it may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect of the drug to be seen. Shake the topical lotion well before each use. Apply this liquid, the solution, or the gel in a thin film after washing and drying the skin thoroughly. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes and mouth or on broken skin; if you do, use plenty of water to wash the drug away.

Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

For vaginal infections, clindamycin is used once a day, at bedtime, for 7 days. Clindamycin cream for the vagina comes with a special applicator. The dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed. The medicine works best if you do not get up again after applying the drug except to wash your hands and the applicator. Read the directions provided with it and follow these steps:

o Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated.
o Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart.
o Gently insert the applicator into your vagina and push the plunger to release the medication.
o Withdraw the applicator and wash it with soap and warm water.
o Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the infection.

You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while using the vaginal cream to protect your clothing against stains. Do not use a tampon because it will absorb the drug. Do not douche unless your doctor tells you to do so. Continue using clindamycin vaginal cream even if you get your period during treatment.

Special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to clindamycin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins. If you are using topical clindamycin, ask your doctor for advice on using other acne medications (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and cosmetics. Some cosmetics make acne worse and interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using clindamycin, call your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Though adverse effects of clindamycin are not common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o upset stomach
o vomiting
o gas
o diarrhea

Inform your doctor if any these symptoms are severe or do not go away while using clindamycin vaginally or on your skin:

o dry skin
o redness or irritation
o peeling
o oiliness
o itching or burning

If you experience the following symptom, or any of those listed in the CAUTION section, stop taking clindamycin and call your doctor without delay:

o skin rash

Brand Name(s):

o Cleocin T®
o Cleocin T® 1%
o Cleocin T® Pledgets
o Cleocin®
o Cleocin® Vaginal Ovules
o Clinda-Derm®
o Clindagel®
o Clindets® Pledgets

Other Name(s):

o BenzaClin® containing Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide
o Duac® containing Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide