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PRECAUTIONS: Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin, tartrazine yellow dye or aspirin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, other intestinal diseases (e.g., enteritis, ulcerative colitis), chronic asthma or hay fever (atopic conditions). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive its side effects, especially persistent diarrhea. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: erythromycin, kaolin-pectin, live bacterial vaccines. Clindamycin may increase the effects of certain drugs used during surgery (neuromuscular blockers such as pancuronium, tubocurarine). Tell your doctor if you are going to be having any surgeries while using this medication.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. With prolonged use, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney and liver function tests, blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

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.