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What is clindamycin
 Clindamycin
is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
Clindamycin
is used to treat bacterial infections. Because of its side
effects, clindamycin is usually only used to treat serious
infections.
Clindamycin
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about clindamycin
Rare cases of severe, and sometimes fatal, diarrhea
(called pseudomembranous colitis) have occurred with the
use of antibiotics, including clindamycin. Contact your
doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during or
within several weeks following treatment with clindamycin.
Take all of the clindamycin that has been prescribed
for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms
may start to improve before the infection is completely
treated.
What you should find out before taking clindamycin Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
or
- stomach or intestinal disease.
You may
not be able to take clindamycin, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not
known whether clindamycin will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
Clindamycin passes into breast milk and
may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take clindamycin Take clindamycin exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
capsule with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of
esophageal irritation.
Take clindamycin with food
to lessen stomach upset.
Shake the liquid form of
clindamycin before measuring a dose. To ensure you get the
correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular
table spoon, to measure a dose of the liquid.
It
is important to take clindamycin regularly to get the most
benefit.
Take all of the clindamycin that has been
prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely
treated.
Store clindamycin at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then
take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals
unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you don't remember
until it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed.
Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a clindamycin overdose are
not well known, but abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea may be expected.
Avoid while taking clindamycin There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or
activities during therapy with clindamycin unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Possible side effects of clindamycin Rare cases of severe, and sometimes fatal, diarrhea
(called pseudomembranous colitis) have occurred with the
use of antibiotics, including clindamycin. Contact your
doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during or
within several weeks following treatment with clindamycin.
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking clindamycin and seek emergency medical
attention:
- an allergic reaction (swelling of the
lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of the
throat; or hives);
- a rash;
- diarrhea;
-
yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- abdominal pain;
or
- little or no urine.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
clindamycin and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
- heartburn;
or
- an unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect clindamycin Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor if you
are taking erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S., PCE,
Eryc, others). These medicines may not work as well if they
are taken together.
Medicines containing kaolin and
pectin (e.g., Kao-Spen, K-C, Kaodene, Kapectolin), which
are used to treat diarrhea, may decrease the effects of
clindamycin. Do not take kaolin and pectin during treatment
with clindamycin.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with clindamycin.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
