Important WarningClindamycin may cause colitis, an infection of the colon that can be dangerous and sometimes ... Full Alert
Clindamycin, 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.
Clindamycin comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth; topical solution, lotion, and gel for skin infections; and vaginal cream. Clindamycin 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 clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
For vaginal infections, clindamycin is used once a day, at bedtime, for 7 days. Clindamycin 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 clindamycin vaginal cream even if you get your period during treatment.
- Cleocin®
- Cleocin® Vaginal Ovules
- Cleocin T®
- Cleocin T® 1%
- Cleocin T® Pledgets
- Clinda-Derm®
- Clindagel®
- Clindets® Pledgets
- Duac® as a combination product containing Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide
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