Cleocin

Generic name: Clindamycin

What are clindamycin capsules?

CLINDAMYCIN (Cleocin) is an antibiotic or antiinfective. It treats serious blood, bone, joint, lung, urinary tract, or pelvic infections. Generic clindamycin capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diarrhea
• inflammatory bowel disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clindamycin, lincomycin, or other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take clindamycin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take at regular intervals, every 6 or 8 hours, during the day and night. It is best to take clindamycin 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating; take the capsules with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 1.2 hours after taking clindamycin to avoid irritation to your throat. If clindamycin upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15.30 degrees C (59.86 degrees F) Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with clindamycin capsules?

• chloramphenicol
• erythromycin
• kaolin products
• medicines for pain
• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking clindamycin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days.

Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get diarrhea. Do not treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make the diarrhea worse.

If you have to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking clindamycin.

What side effects may I notice from taking clindamycin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• diarrhea that is watery or severe
• pain on swallowing
• stomach pain or cramps
• skin rash
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• itching in the rectal or genital area
• nausea, vomiting