Precautions
Take clindamycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking clindamycin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
When to stop taking clindamycin?
Clindamycin Side Effects. Skin problems, such as hives, rash, red, shedding, or peeling skin. Yellow appearance of the skin, nails, or whites of the eyes (jaundice) Vomiting, severe stomach pain, or diarrhea. Signs of low blood pressure, ranging from dizziness to fainting. What is clindamycin hydrochloride drops used for in cats?
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
What Conditions does CLINDAMYCIN HCL Treat?
- serious symptoms of malaria
- pneumonia caused by the bacteria anthrax
- bacterial stomach or intestine infection due to anthrax
- acne
- treatment to prevent anthrax after exposure to disease
- blood poisoning caused by anaerobic bacteria
- a systemic inflammatory response called sepsis due to an infection with bacteria
What kind of infections does clindamycin treat?
Clindamycin isn’t practical because you’re not treating the cause of bacterial vaginosis; you’re only treating the frustrating symptoms you’re experiencing. Another problem you’ll find with using clindamycin to treat bacterial vaginosis is that some women are allergic to this antibiotic.
Does clindamycin really treat bacterial vaginosis?
What infections are treated with clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a medication used for the treatment of numerous infections, including but not limited to septicemia, intra-abdominal infections, lower respiratory infections, gynecological infections, bone and joint infections, and skin and skin structure infections.
Is clindamycin a strong antibiotic?
Clindamycin is a strong broad-spectrum antibiotic, typically prescribed for serious infections, such as life-threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections.
How long does clindamycin take to work on an infection?
Once you start taking clindamycin, you'll likely notice an improvement in your symptoms after a day or two. If your symptoms aren't improving at all or seem to be getting worse after taking clindamycin for a few days, follow up with your healthcare provider.
Why can't you lay down after taking clindamycin?
Official answer. You should avoid lying down after taking the antibiotic clindamycin because it may prolong the time it takes for the medication to move through your esophagus into your stomach, potentially irritating your esophagus.
What should I avoid while taking clindamycin?
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Clindamycin (Cleocin Hcl)? Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Why can't you lay down after taking antibiotics?
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine, to make sure the pills have gone through the esophagus into the stomach. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience painful swallowing or feel that the medicine is sticking in your throat.
What is the major side effect of clindamycin?
Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you or your child are using this medicine.
What is the strongest antibiotic for bacterial infection?
Vancomycin, long considered a "drug of last resort," kills by preventing bacteria from building cell walls.
What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
There are several antibiotics that kill the common mouth bacteria that cause tooth infections. The best (first-line) antibiotics for tooth infectio...
Is clindamycin a strong antibiotic?
Clindamycin is a strong broad-spectrum antibiotic, typically prescribed for serious infections, such as life-threatening methicillin-resistant Stap...
What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
Penicillin or amoxicillin are considered the best first-line treatments for Strep throat. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Pre...
Can I take clindamycin if I am allergic to penicillin?
Yes, you can. It is recommended that the use of the antibiotic clindamycin be reserved for patients who are allergic to penicillin or for those pat...
Is clindamycin a penicillin?
No, clindamycin is not a penicillin antibiotic. Instead, it belongs to a class of medications known as lincomycin antibiotics, or lincosamides. Cli...
What is clindamycin used for?
Uses. Clindamycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu ).
How to take clindamycin?
How to use Clindamycin Hcl. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours), or as directed by your doctor. Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.
How to report clindamycin side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies.
Can stopping a med too early cause diarrhea?
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Side Effects. See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What is clindamycin used for?
People use clindamycin to treat bacterial infections. Clindamycin is an antibiotic drug. People use antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics, including clindamycin, do not work for infections caused by viruses. Clindamycin is in the lincosamide family.
Why do you take clindamycin capsules?
Clindamycin capsules may irritate the esophagus, the tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach.
How often should I use clindamycin for acne?
Doctors prescribe clindamycin lotion, gel, and solution to treat acne. A person with acne can apply a thin layer of Cleocin T 1% lotion or clindamycin 1% solution to the affected area of skin twice a day. A person can apply Clindagel 1% once daily to the affected area when acne appears.
What is the best antibiotic for acne?
Alternatives. Summary. Clindamycin is an antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from growing. Doctors prescribe clindamycin to treat bacterial infections, and the drug comes in oral, topical, and injectable forms. Topic al clindamycin is a common treatment for acne and bacterial infections in the vagina.
How much clindamycin should I take a day?
for serious infections, 8–16 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) per day, divided into three or four equal doses. for more severe infections, 16–20 mg/kg per day, divided into three or four equal doses. For people who have difficulty swallowing, clindamycin comes in granules that a person can dissolve in water.
How much clindamycin should I take for a stomach infection?
The dosages of clindamycin capsules for adults are: for serious infections, 150–300 mg every 6 hours.
How many forms of clindamycin are there?
There are four forms of clindamycin: injectable, intravaginal, oral, and topical. The following table lists forms of clindamycin, along with their dosages in milligrams (mg), milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml), or percentage. Injectable. Intravaginal.
What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that may be used to treat a wide range of infections including those involving gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic means living without air). Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth.
Can antibiotics cause diarrhea?
Abdominal pain, pain in the esophagus, nausea, vomiting, an unpleasant or metallic taste, skin rashes, and liver function test abnormalities. All antibiotics carry a risk of severe diarrhea caused by an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria.
Can you take clindamycin with food?
For serious anaerobic infections, the parenteral route is usually used initially but should be switched to the oral route as soon as the patient's condition allows. May be taken with or without food. Generic clindamycin is available. 3. Downsides.
Is clindamycin good for diarrhea?
The risk of C. difficile -associated diarrhea may be higher with clindamycin compared with some other antibiotics.
Does clindamycin help with viruses?
Clindamycin does not treat infections caused by viruses, such as a cold or the flu.
Is clindamycin teratogenic?
Animal studies do not reveal any evidence of teratogenicity and there is not enough data in humans to make a recommendation. Clindamycin is secreted into breast milk and may potentially cause adverse effects on the GI flora of breast-fed infants.
Is clindamycin safe for pregnancy?
Injectable clindamycin contains 9.45mg of benzyl alcohol, which may be toxic to children in large amounts and cause a potentially fatal "gasping syndrome"). Should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
How long does clindamycin stay in your system?
In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for at least 10 days.
What is USP in clindamycin?
Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP are indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, USP are also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci.
Can you take clindamycin for a viral infection?
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When clindamycin hydrochloride capsules are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by clindamycin hydrochloride capsules or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
How long does it take for a stool to get bloody after antibiotics?
Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.
Can clindamycin and erythromycin be used together?
Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. Antagonism has been demonstrated between clindamycin and erythromycin in vitro. Because of possible clinical significance, these two drugs should not be administered concurrently. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility.
Can you use clindamycin while pregnant?
Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of the human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers. Clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk in the range of 0.7 to 3.8 mcg/mL. Pediatric Use.
Does clindamycin block the liver?
During prolonged therapy, periodic liver and kidney function tests and blood counts should be performed. Drug Interactions. Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is a lincosamide type of antibiotic that’s used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including infections of the teeth. It’s generally given as an oral antibiotic, but you may need intravenous clindamycin for severe tooth infections. Left untreated, tooth infections can quickly spread to other areas, ...
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
Taking clindamycin can cause a range of side effects, including: 1 diarrhea 2 nausea or vomiting 3 loss of appetite
What is the best antibiotic for tooth infection?
Penicillin antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are most commonly used to treat tooth infections. Clindamycin can be useful if you’re allergic to or haven’t had success with penicillin antibiotics. It’s also active against a variety of bacteria. This is important when it comes to tooth infections, which often involve several types ...
How long do antibiotics last?
Your course of antibiotics should last about a week and you’ll typically have to take one or two pills every six hours. To prevent the infection from coming back, make sure to take the full dose of antibiotics as prescribed. Last medically reviewed on February 14, 2019.
What are the symptoms of clindamycin?
chest tightness. abdominal cramps. vomiting. diarrhea. passing out. feelings of doom. While the risk of having an anaphylactic reaction to clindamycin is low, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
How to reduce nausea and vomiting while taking clindamycin?
loss of appetite. You can help to reduce nausea and vomiting by sticking with a simple, bland diet while taking clindamycin. Avoid spicy or rich foods that may irritate your stomach. Taking a probiotic, which may help to replenish beneficial bacteria in your gut, may also minimize side effects.
Can clindamycin cause Clostridium difficile?
In rare cases, taking clindamycin can increase your risk of infection with Clostridium difficile. C. diff happens when the balance of bacteria in your intestines is disrupted, such as during antibiotic treatment. This can cause the bacteria to grow out of control, which can potentially lead to a serious infection.
Why is clindamycin prescribed?
Why is this medication prescribed? Expand Section. Clindamycin is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, and internal organs. Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics.
What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat acne and is used along with other medications to treat anthrax (a serious infection that may be deliberately spread as part of a terror attack) and malaria (a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world). Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat ear infections, tonsillitis (infection that causes swelling of the tonsils), pharyngitis (infection that causes swelling in the back of the throat), and toxoplasmosis (an infection that may cause serious problems in people who do not have healthy immune systems or in unborn babies whose mothers are infected) when these conditions cannot be treated with other medications. Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused from too much of certain bacteria in the vagina). Clindamycin is also sometimes used to prevent endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) in certain people who are at risk of developing this infection as a result of a dental procedure. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
Why is clindamycin used for dental procedures?
Clindamycin is also sometimes used to prevent endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) in certain people who are at risk of developing this infection as a result of a dental procedure. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
How do you know if you are taking clindamycin?
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during your treatment with clindamycin or during the first several months after your treatment has finished: watery or bloody stools, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking clindamycin.
How long does it take to dispose of clindamycin?
Dispose of any unused clindamycin liquid after 2 weeks. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.
What to do if you don't feel better after taking clindamycin?
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. Take clindamycin until you finish the prescription , even if you feel better. If you stop taking clindamycin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Does clindamycin work for colds?
It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is used primarily to treat infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Such infections might include respiratory infections, septicemia and peritonitis. In patients with hypersensitivity to penicillins, clindamycin may be used to treat susceptible aerobic infections as well. It is also used to treat bone-infections caused by ...
When was clindamycin approved?
Clindamycin was approved by the FDA in 1970 and is marketed as the hydrochloride salt for oral administration and as the phosphate salt for parenteral, topical or vaginal administration. Why is this medication prescribed? Clindamycin is used primarily to treat infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.
How much water should I drink to take clindamycin?
The capsule form of clindamycin should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or with meals to prevent irritation of the esophagus (tube between the throat and stomach). For patients taking the oral liquid form of clindamycin: Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.
How many milligrams of clindamycin should I take a day?
For oral dosage forms (capsules and solution): Adults and teenagers – 150 to 300 milligrams (mg) every six hours. Children:
What to do if you overdose on clindamycin?
In the case of an overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of a clindamycin overdose are not well known, but the following may be expected: abdominal pain. nausea.
Can you change the dose of clindamycin?
The following information includes only the average doses of clindamycin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of capsules or teaspoonfuls of solution that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
Can you take clindamycin if you have liver disease?
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.
How It Works
This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Clostridium perfringens empyema · Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis · Staphylococcus aureus skin and skin structure infection · Acne vulgaris · Anaerobic endometritis and more
Alternate Brand Names: Cleocin
Drug Class: Acne Therapy Topical - Anti-infective · Lincosamide Antibiotics · Vaginal Antibacterial - Lincosamides
Availability: Prescription Required
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Clostridium perfringens empyema · Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis · Staphylococcus aureus skin and skin structure infection · Acne vulgaris · Anaerobic endometritis and more
Alternate Brand Names: Cleocin
Drug Class: Acne Therapy Topical - Anti-infective · Lincosamide Antibiotics · Vaginal Antibacterial - Lincosamides
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- For cream with applicator products : If available, read the patient package insert. Usually used at bedtime. Use at the same time(s) daily as directed. Refrain from intercourse during therapy. Can cause damage to diaphragms or condoms. Ask doctor before use in other conditions.
- For cream, extended release products : Insert into the vagina as directed. Usually given only 1 time.
- For gel products : This medication is for treatment of acne. Wash and dry affected area before applying. Apply a thin layer to affected areas. Avoid contact with eyes, inside of nose or mouth. May take months for full benefit of therapy. Wash hands before and after using. Call doctor if you are not getting better. Report severe diarrhea or abdominal pain to doctor.
- For cream with applicator products : If available, read the patient package insert. Usually used at bedtime. Use at the same time(s) daily as directed. Refrain from intercourse during therapy. Can cause damage to diaphragms or condoms. Ask doctor before use in other conditions.
- For cream, extended release products : Insert into the vagina as directed. Usually given only 1 time.
- For gel products : This medication is for treatment of acne. Wash and dry affected area before applying. Apply a thin layer to affected areas. Avoid contact with eyes, inside of nose or mouth. May take months for full benefit of therapy. Wash hands before and after using. Call doctor if you are not getting better. Report severe diarrhea or abdominal pain to doctor.
- For lotion products : Shake well.
- For solution, non-oral products : Keep medicine away from heat or flames.
- For swab, medicated products : Use medicated swab once and then discard.
- For vial products : Drug is given by a nurse or a doctor. Redness/pain/swelling may occur at injection site. Space doses evenly throughout the day. Success is dependent on completing therapy course. Watch for oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Clindamycin is an antibiotic that may be used to treat a wide range of infections including those involving gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic means living without air).
- Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth. It has a bacteriostatic effect which means it stops bacteria from reproducing but doesn't necessarily k...
- Clindamycin is an antibiotic that may be used to treat a wide range of infections including those involving gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic means living without air).
- Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth. It has a bacteriostatic effect which means it stops bacteria from reproducing but doesn't necessarily k...
- Clindamycin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as lincosamide or lincomycin antibiotics.
Response and Effectiveness
- Usually reserved for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, such as those occurring in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, on the sk...
- Effective against several gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, including susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pe…
- Usually reserved for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, such as those occurring in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, on the sk...
- Effective against several gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, including susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-s...
- For infections caused by susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, or staphylococci, clindamycin is usually reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients in whom penicillin is...
- Available as an oral capsule, oral solution, and parenterally (may be administered IM or by int…
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Abdominal pain, pain in the esophagus, nausea, vomiting, an unpleasant or metallic taste, skin rashes, and liver function test abnormalities. 2. All antibiotics carry a risk of severe diarrhea caused by an overgrowth of Clostr…
References
- Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections or other serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in penicillin-allergic people. The risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea may be higher with clindamycin compared with some other antibiotics.
Further Information
- May be taken with or without food. Take with a full glass of water to stop the capsules from becoming inadvertently stuck in your throat.
- Take exactly as directed and for the duration intended. Finish the course of treatment prescribed.
- Only use when prescribed by a doctor to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria as i…
- May be taken with or without food. Take with a full glass of water to stop the capsules from becoming inadvertently stuck in your throat.
- Take exactly as directed and for the duration intended. Finish the course of treatment prescribed.
- Only use when prescribed by a doctor to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria as improper use increases the risk of resistant bacteria developing. Clindamycin does not treat infections ca...
- Report any instances of severe or persistent diarrhea, occurring either during clindamycin administration or within a few months following discontinuation to your doctor.