GENERIC NAME: CLINDAMYCIN - ORAL (klin-da-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 bacterial infections because it can sometimes cause a severe (rarely fatal) intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms because these products may make them worse. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details and an appropriate treatment plan.
USES: Clindamycin is used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic which works by stopping the growth of bacteria. 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: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours), or as directed by your doctor. Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take 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 relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or mild diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: sore/painful throat, joint pain/swelling, yellowing eyes or skin. See also the Warning section. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal 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 unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. 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.
- Common Cold - Get the facts on common cold causes (virus), symptoms, treatment, how long a cold lasts, how it's transmitted, how to avoid colds and home remedies for this contagious illness.
- Malaria - Get the facts on malaria symptoms, signs, diagnosis, causes (Plasmodium parasite), treatment (medication), history and prevention, and learn the life cycle of the Anopheles mosquito.
- Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) - Learn about vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), the most common type of infection acquired while hospitalized. People most susceptible to VRE are those with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Cold and Flu RSS