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). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to use Clindamycin Hcl
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours). 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 30 minutes after taking this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: painful/difficult swallowing, heartburn, joint pain/swelling, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Warnings
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, stomach/intestinal diseases (such as colitis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea), allergic conditions (such as asthma, hay fever, eczema).
Clindamycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using clindamycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially diarrhea.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is: kaolin-pectin.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medication for a longer time, lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, blood counts) should be done while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Images
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Color: turquoise blueShape: oblongImprint: RX693 RX693This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: light blueShape: oblongImprint: M 42This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: green,light blueShape: oblongImprint: M 41This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: light green,turquoise blueShape: oblongImprint: RX692 RX692This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: light green,light blueShape: oblongImprint: C 39This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: light blueShape: oblongImprint: C 40This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: light blueShape: oblongImprint: G 144This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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Color: light blue-greenShape: oblongImprint: G 150 mg 3328This medicine is a turquoise blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "RX693" and "RX693".
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.