- What is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
- What is the dosage for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
- Is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
What is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating serious infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. The FDA approved clindamycin for vaginal use in August 1972.
What brand names are available for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
Cleocin, Clindesse
Is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
Yes
What are the side effects of clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
The most common side effects of clindamycin cream are:
- vaginal moniliasis,
- vulvovaginitis,
- vulvovaginal disorder,
- trichomonal vaginitis,
- moniliasis, and
- itching.
What is the dosage for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
The recommended dose is one full applicator of clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% intravaginally, preferably at bedtime, for 3 or 7 days in non-pregnant women and for 7 days in pregnant women.
Which drugs or supplements interact with clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
Clindamycin give orally may act as a neuromuscular blocker. This means that it can increase the action of neuromuscular blocking drugs (for example, pancuronium and vecuronium). However, very little clindamycin is absorbed into the blood stream when given vaginally so the likelihood of drug interactions is less.
QUESTION
The vagina includes the labia, clitoris, and uterus. See AnswerIs clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The frequency of congenital abnormalities was not increased when pregnant women used clindamycin during the second and third trimesters, and clindamycin vaginal cream is approved for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Clindamycin should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy unless it is clearly needed because it has not been properly evaluated during the first trimester.
Oral clindamycin is excreted in breast milk and should not be used by nursing mothers, or nursing should be stopped. It is not known whether clindamycin given vaginally is excreted in breast milk.
Summary
Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream (Cleocin) is used to treat symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to using this medication.
Related Disease Conditions
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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition with signs and symptoms of vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, and vaginal pain. It results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.
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Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections in women are caused by an organism called Candida albicans. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal pain with urination, vaginal discharge, odor, and itching. Treatment is generally OTC medications. A man can contract a yeast infection from his female sexual partner. Symptoms of a yeast infection in men include penile itching. Treatment is with oral or topical medication.
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Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
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How Can I Treat Vaginitis at Home?
What Is Vaginitis? Learn whether you need antibiotics and what other treatments can help to relieve your symptoms.
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Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized. Patients at risk for VRE are those who are already ill, and hospitalized, including individuals with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters. Enterococci can survive for months in the digestive tract and female genital tract. Other risk factors for acquiring VRE include those how have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics. Treatment of VRE is generally with other antibiotics other than vancomycin. Prevention of VRE can be achieved by proper hand hygiene.
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Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own?
Learn what medical treatments can ease your bacterial vaginosis symptoms and help you manage this condition.
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How Long Does it Take for a Vaginal Suppository to Absorb?
Vaginal suppositories take between 15 and 30 minutes to dissolve and get absorbed into the body. The absorption of a vaginal suppository depends on several factors, including the type of suppository, active ingredient, pH and moisture level of the vaginal environment, and the size and shape of the suppository. The time for the absorption process of a vaginal suppository to complete can vary widely and is difficult to determine.
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Yeast Infection vs. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) both cause vaginal discharge. Yeast infection discharge is thick, white, and had a cottage cheese consistency. BV discharge is whitish-gray and is thinner. Vaginal odor, irritation, and pain may also be present. Treatment of yeast infections includes over-the-counter and prescription antifungals. BV treatment involves antibiotics.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
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.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information.