clindamycin-oral solution, Cleocin Pediatric

BRAND NAME(S): Cleocin Pediatric

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 that 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: Shake the bottle well before each dose. Then carefully measure out the prescribed amount of medication. Take it by mouth with or without food, usually 3 or 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. 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 this 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.

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.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Follow the package directions about whether or not to refrigerate this medication and when to discard the bottle. If you are instructed to keep the bottle at room temperature, store between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

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