Clindamycin



Cleocin®; Cleocin HCl®; Cleocin Pediatric®; Cleocin Phosphate®; Cleocin T®; Clindagel®; ClindaMax™; Clindesse™; Clindets®; Evoclin™







Clindamycin

(klin da MYE sin)

U.S. Brand Names
Cleocin®; Cleocin HCl®; Cleocin Pediatric®; Cleocin Phosphate®; Cleocin T®; Clindagel®; ClindaMax™; Clindesse™; Clindets®; Evoclin™
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Clindamycin; Apo-Clindamycin®; Clindamcyin Injection, USP; Clindoxyl®; Dalacin® C; Dalacin® T; Dalacin® Vaginal; Novo-Clindamycin; Taro-Clindamycin
Mexican Brand Names
Clindazyn®; Cutaclin®; Dalacin C®; Dalacin T®; Dalacin V®; Galecin®; Klyndaken®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Miscellaneous
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 immediately or dial 911.
  • 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).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: