Clindamycin

Clindamycin

Generic Name: clindamycin (klin da MYE sin)

Brand names: Cleocin

What is clindamycin?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information I should know about 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.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, 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 clindamycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared. This medication 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 bloody, stop taking clindamycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clindamycin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Before taking clindamycin

Do not use clindamycin if you are:

allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin); or

if you are also taking erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, and others).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a clindamycin dose adjustment or special tests:

colitis, Crohn's disease, or other intestinal disorder;

kidney disease;

liver disease; or

a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.

FDA pregnancy category B. Clindamycin 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.

See also: Clindamycin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take clindamycin?

Take clindamycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. 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. Measure the liquid with a special dose-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 clindamycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure clindamycin is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need 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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not store clindamycin liquid in the refrigerator.

See also: Clindamycin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking clindamycin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking clindamycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Clindamycin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to clindamycin: 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;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

urinating less than usual or not at all;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

skin rash with severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious clindamycin side effects may include:

change in bowel habits (especially in older adults);

mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

joint pain;

vaginal itching or discharge;

mild rash or itching; or

irritation in your throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect clindamycin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with clindamycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Clindamycin resources

Clindamycin Dosage

Clindamycin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Clindamycin Drug Interactions

Clindamycin Support Group

63 Reviews for Clindamycin - Add your own review/rating

Clindamycin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Clindamycin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

clindamycin Oral, Injection, Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Cleocin Pediatric Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Cleocin Pediatric Prescribing Information (FDA)

Cleocin Phosphate Prescribing Information (FDA)

Clindamycin Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

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Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about clindamycin.