Cleocin (clindamycin)
Clindamycin Topical Gel 1% 10g - 12's
Clindamycin Topical Gel 1% 10g - 4's
Clindamycin Topical Gel 1% 10g - 8's
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.
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.
How should this medicine be
used?
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 carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by
your doctor.
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:
Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to
the level indicated.
Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread
apart.
Gently insert the applicator into your vagina and push
the plunger to release the medication.
Withdraw the applicator and wash it with soap and warm
water.
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.
What special precautions should I
follow?
Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if
you are allergic to clindamycin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in
some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
Tell 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.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gastrointestinal,
liver, or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using
clindamycin, call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take
any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do
not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not
apply a missed topical dose.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Although side effects from clindamycin are
not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
vomiting
gas
diarrhea
Tell your doctor if any these symptoms are severe or do not go
away while using clindamycin vaginally or on your skin:
dry skin
redness or irritation
peeling
oiliness
itching or burning
If you experience the following symptom, or any of those listed
in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop taking clindamycin and
call your doctor immediately: skin rash.
What storage conditions are needed for this
medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no
longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
| 
