Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Clindamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.
Clindamycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Cleocin HCl (clindamycin)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin)
Do not take clindamycin together with erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, Robimycin, and others).
Before using clindamycin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an intestinal disorder such as colitis or Crohn’s disease, or a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clindamycin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Cleocin HCl (clindamycin)?
Do not use this medication if you are:
- allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin); or
- if you are also taking erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, Robimycin, and others).
Before using clindamycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- colitis, Crohn’s disease, or other intestinal disorder;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use clindamycin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Clindamycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Cleocin HCl (clindamycin)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water to keep it from irritating your throat. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clindamycin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store clindamycin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a clindamycin overdose may include depression, changes in behavior, or seizure (convulsions).
Cleocin HCl (clindamycin) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using clindamycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- urinating less than usual or not at all; or
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Keep taking clindamycin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
- mild nausea or stomach pain;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- mild skin rash or itching; or
- irritation in your throat.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Cleocin HCl (clindamycin)?
There may be other drugs that can affect clindamycin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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