The
following information is a summary about Cleocin. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Cleocin USES
Cleocin, an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of
the respiratory tract, skin, pelvis, vagina, and abdomen.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral
infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Cleocin DIRECTIONS
Cleocin comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth;
topical solution, lotion, and gel for skin infections;
and vaginal cream. Cleocin usually is taken every 6 hours
for respiratory, pelvis, or abdomen infections or applied
twice a day for acne. Shake the oral liquid well before
each use to mix the medication evenly. Drink a full glass
of water after each dose (capsules and oral liquid). For
acne, it may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect of
the drug to be seen. Shake the topical lotion well before
each use. Apply this liquid, the solution, or the gel in
a thin film after washing and drying the skin thoroughly.
Avoid getting the medication in your eyes and mouth or
on broken skin; if you do, use plenty of water to wash
the drug away. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take Cleocin exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor. For vaginal infections,
Cleocin is used once a day, at bedtime, for 7 days. Cleocin
cream for the vagina comes with a special applicator. The
dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed.
The medicine works best if you do not get up again after
applying the drug except to wash your hands and the applicator.
Read the directions provided with it and follow these steps:
* Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream
to the level indicated. * Lie on your back with your knees
drawn upward and spread apart. * Gently insert the applicator
into your vagina and push the plunger to release the medication.
* Withdraw the applicator and wash it with soap and warm
water. * Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the
infection. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while
using the vaginal cream to protect your clothing against
stains. Do not use a tampon because it will absorb the
drug. Do not douche unless your doctor tells you to do
so. Continue using Cleocin vaginal cream even if you get
your period during treatment.
Cleocin SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from Cleocin are not common, they
can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away: * upset stomach * vomiting *
gas * diarrhea Tell your doctor if any these symptoms are
severe or do not go away while using Cleocin vaginally
or on your skin: * dry skin * redness or irritation * peeling
* oiliness * itching or burning If you experience the following
symptom, or any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING
section, stop taking Cleocin and call your doctor immediately:
* skin rash
Cleocin PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Cleocin, * tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Cleocin, tartrazine (a yellow dye
in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
If you are using topical Cleocin, ask your doctor for advice
on using other acne medications (e.g., benzoyl peroxide)
and cosmetics. Some cosmetics make acne worse and interfere
with the effectiveness of this medication. * tell your
doctor if you have or have ever had gastrointestinal, liver,
or kidney disease. * tell your doctor if you are pregnant,
plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using Cleocin, call your doctor.
Cleocin OVERDOSE
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Cleocin NOTES
WARNING: Cleocin (Clindamycin) may cause colitis, an infection
of the colon that can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.
If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking
clindamycin or within a few weeks of stopping clindamycin,
call your doctor immediately: severe persistent diarrhea,
severe stomach cramps, or bloody stool. Talk to your doctor
about the risk of taking clindamycin. Keep all appointments
with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order
certain lab tests to check your response to Cleocin. Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription
is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms
of infection after you finish the Cleocin, call your doctor.
MISSED DOSE
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly
spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up
for a missed one. Do not apply a missed topical dose.
Cleocin STORAGE
Keep Cleocin in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store Cleocin at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any Cleocin that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
Cleocin.
