This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Clindamycin Consumer Information
CLINDAMYCIN
Generic Name: clindamycin (oral) (clin da MYE sin)
Brand Names: Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric
What is the most important information I should know about clindamycin?
- Rare cases of severe, and sometimes fatal, diarrhea (called pseudomembranous colitis) have occurred with the use of antibiotics, including clindamycin. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during or within several weeks following treatment with clindamycin.
- Take all of the clindamycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
What is clindamycin?
- Clindamycin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Clindamycin is used to treat bacterial infections. Because of its side effects, clindamycin is usually only used to treat serious infections.
- Clindamycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clindamycin?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- stomach or intestinal disease.
- You may not be able to take clindamycin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- It is not known whether clindamycin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Clindamycin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take clindamycin?
- Take clindamycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each capsule with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation.
- Take clindamycin with food to lessen stomach upset.
- Shake the liquid form of clindamycin before measuring a dose. To ensure you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon, to measure a dose of the liquid.
- It is important to take clindamycin regularly to get the most benefit.
- Take all of the clindamycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- 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, then take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you don't remember until it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a clindamycin overdose are not well known, but abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be expected.
What should I avoid while taking clindamycin?
- There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with clindamycin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.