Cleocin (Clindamycin)

Cleocin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Cleocin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Cleocin Cream is used for treating vaginal infections caused by certain bacteria.

Use Cleocin as directed by your doctor.

• Take Cleocin by mouth with or without food.
• Take Cleocin with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
• Cleocin works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Cleocin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

• Cleocin Cream is for vaginal use only.
• Wash your hands before and after using Cleocin Cream. To use, remove the cap from the tube. Screw the plastic applicator on the threaded end of the tube. Rolling the tube from the bottom, squeeze gently and force the medicine into the applicator. The applicator is filled when the plunger reaches its predetermined stopping point.
• Unscrew the applicator from the tube and replace the cap. While lying on your back, firmly grasp the applicator barrel and insert into the vagina as far as it will possibly go without causing discomfort. Slowly push the plunger until it stops. Carefully remove the applicator from the vagina and throw the applicator away.
• Use Cleocin Cream at bedtime. This will help keep the medicine in the vagina and reduce leaking.
• To clear up your infection completely, use Cleocin Cream for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Cleocin is a lincomycin antibiotic. Cleocin kills sensitive bacteria by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

If you miss a dose of Cleocin, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Store Cleocin at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cleocin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Cleocin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cleocin or to lincomycin;
• you have antibiotic-associated colitis, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or meningitis.

• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Cleocin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Cleocin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Cleocin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• This product may contain tartrazine dye. This may cause an allergic reaction in some patients. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to tartrazine, ask your pharmacist if your product has tartrazine in it.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Cleocin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Cleocin with caution in elderly patients; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Cleocin should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cleocin while you are pregnant. Cleocin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Cleocin , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• infrequent urination; mild diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or continuing diarrhea; severe stomach cramps/pain; stools/diarrhea with mucus or blood; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Cleocin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.