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.
