What is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin

Generic Name:  Clindamycin (capsules – HCl, granules – palmitate HCl)

Brand Name/s:  Dalacin C

Dosage Strength/s and Form/s: Capsules: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg Granules for oral solution: 75 mg/5 mL

Why is this medication prescribed?
Clindamycin, an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, pelvis, vagina and abdomen. Clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should this medicine be used?

• Clindamycin comes as a capsule and granules for oral solution to take by mouth.
• Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
• Drink a full glass of water after each dose (capsule and oral liquid) to avoid the possibility of esophageal irritation.
• Clindamycin may be taken with or without meals.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Clindamycin:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Clindamycin
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney disease
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.  If you become pregnant while using Clindamycin, call your physician.

What should I do if I forgot a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• gas
• diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Clindamycin or within a few weeks of stopping Clindamycin, call your doctor immediately:

• severe persistent diarrhea
• severe stomach cramps
• bloody stool
• skin rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children.  Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Do not refrigerate reconstituted oral solution because it will thicken. Solution is stable for 2 weeks at room temperature.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to check your response to Clindamycin. Do not let anyone else take your medication.

If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the treatment, call your physician.

References:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682399.html
httpss://www.epocrates.com

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.