CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE - VAGINAL CREAM (Cleocin) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE - VAGINAL CREAM (klin-duh-MY-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Cleocin

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain type of vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis). Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. See the Precautions section for information about use during pregnancy.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet for instructions on the proper use of this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after each application. Avoid contact of this cream with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, wash them immediately with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation persists. Fill the applicator with the cream according to the directions. Insert the applicator high into the vagina and press the plunger to release the medication. Use this product usually once a day at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. If you have extra applicators, discard each one after use. If you have only one applicator, clean it with warm soapy water and rinse well. Do not boil or use hot water to clean the applicator. To prevent medication from leaking out of the vagina, lie down as soon as possible after use. 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 for the full number of days prescribed 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: Mild diarrhea or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Although unlikely, vaginal pain/itching/discharge may occur or worsen. These symptoms may be due to a new vaginal infection (e.g., yeast/fungal infection, trichomonas infection). This medication may infrequently cause a fungal infection in another part of your body (e.g., oral thrush). Contact your doctor if you notice a change in vaginal discharge, white patches in your mouth, or other new symptoms. 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: pain when you urinate, lower back pain, menstrual problems, abnormal vaginal bleeding. A very small amount of this medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. 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.