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Brand Names: Apo-Clindamycin
Common Name: clindamycin
What is this drug used for?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat and prevent infections
caused by certain types of bacteria.
Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones
listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking
this medication, contact your doctor.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
Clindamycin should not be used by:
- anyone allergic to clindamycin or to lincomycin or to any of the ingredients
of the medication
- infants younger than 30 days of age
- pregnant women
What about possible side effects?
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes
this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks
and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may
be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the
medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.
More common
- diarrhea (mild)
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach pain
Less common
- itching of rectal or genital areas
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects
occur:
More common
- abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe)
- abdominal tenderness
- diarrhea (watery and severe; may also be bloody)
- fever
Less common
- sore throat and fever
- skin rash, redness, and itching
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check
with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking
this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
The following medications may affect how clindamycin works or increase the
risk of side effects:
- aluminum carbonate
- aluminum hydroxide
- aluminum phosphate
- attapulgite
- non-depolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., atracurium, doxacurium, mivacurium,
pancuronium)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must
stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are
managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions
are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription),
and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements
you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs
can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know
if you use them.
Other information:
Liver disease:
People with liver disease should be cautious while taking clindamycin as it
may worsen this condition or they may experience increased side effects.
Overgrowth of organisms: The use of antibiotics occasionally results
in the overgrowth of organisms that they don't kill, particularly yeasts that
may cause yeast infections.
This may lead to conditions such as vaginitis.
Stomach problems (especially colitis):
Clindamycin may cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (serious diarrhea
caused by antibiotics). If you develop significant diarrhea after starting this
medication, even several weeks after treatment, contact your doctor as soon
as possible.
Breast-feeding: Clindamycin passes into breast milk. Women taking this
medication should not nurse unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Pregnancy: The safety of this medication for use during pregnancy has
not been established. Do not use clindamycin if you are pregnant.
Special Instructions:
The recommended adult dose of clindamycin is 150 mg to 450 mg
every six hours with a full glass of water with or without food. This medication
may cause less stomach upset if taken with food. The children's dose is based
on weight.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by
your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular
schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
© MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.