Clindamycin Description

Generic Name: CLINDAMYCIN

Pronunciation: (klin da mye' sin)

Trade Name(s): Clincin, Dalacin C, Dalcap, Cleocin

Why it is prescribed: Clindamycin, an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, acne, pelvis and abdomen.

When it is to be taken: Clindamycin is usually taken every six hours for serious infections or twice a day for acne. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Doses should be taken at intervals as far apart as possible throughout the day. For example, if you are to take clindamycin four times a day, it is best to take a dose every six hours. However, if you cannot take it around the clock, take it at evenly spaced intervals between the time you wake up in the morning and the time you go to bed (e.g., at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., and 10 p.m.). For acne, it may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect of the drug to be seen.

How it should be taken: Clindamycin comes in the form of capsules, oral liquid and topical liquid for skin infections. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Drink a full glass of water after each dose. The topical liquid should be applied in a thin film after washing and drying the skin thoroughly. Avoid getting the medication in the eyes and mouth or on broken skin; if you have this problem, use plenty of water to wash the drug away. The oral liquid bottle should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose. If you still have symptoms of infection after you have taken all of your medication, contact your doctor.

Special Instruction:
1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If you are using topical clindamycin, ask your doctor for advice on the use of other acne medications and cosmetics.
3. Some cosmetics make acne worse and interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take a missed oral dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Omit a missed topical dose.

Side Effects:
1. Nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea. Contact your doctor if Diarrhea lasts for more than two days or if you have five or more bowel movements a day.
2. Do not take any medication for diarrhea before talking to your doctor.
3. Skin rash. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
4. Topical clindamycin can cause dry skin, redness, irritation, peeling, oiliness, itching and burning. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist.

Other Precautions:
1. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors.
2. Before you use this drug, tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking, including nonprescription drugs.
3. If you have had colitis or any gastrointestinal disease, liver or kidney disease, or an allergic reaction to clindamycin or tartrazine, tell your doctor before you use clindamycin.

Storage Conditions:
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store clindamycin at room temperature. Do not put it in the refrigerator.
3. The oral liquid container has an expiry date on it. Do not take liquid clindamycin after the expiry date. Throw it away and, if you need more, get a new supply.