MedicineNet.com

clindamycin - injection, Cleocin

The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures Natural Cold and Flu Remedies Slideshow Pictures Take the Cold & Flu Quiz

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 may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.

USES: This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication should not be used to treat meningitis.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to prevent infections in patients who are having certain surgeries.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.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, which may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, an unpleasant/metallic taste in mouth (if this drug is injected into a vein), or pain at the injection site (if this drug is injected into a muscle) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain/swelling at injection site (if this drug is injected into a vein), dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, pain in several joints, new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.