GENERIC NAME: CLINDAMYCIN - INJECTION (klin-duh-MY-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Cleocin
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This medication should be used only for serious infections because infrequently there are severe, rarely fatal, intestinal problems (pseudomembranous colitis) that can occur. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood/mucous in your stool. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of this drug. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication.
USES: An antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given intramuscularly or intravenously. It may be injected into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip or diluted in fluid and infused slowly into a vein over 30-60 minutes. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, heartburn, cramps, weight loss, bloating, nausea and vomiting which should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor If diarrhea becomes a problem, do not take any anti-diarrhea medications. Contact your doctor if you develop: rash, fever, hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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