Drug Name

Cleocin (Clindamycin)

Drug Uses

Cleocin is used for treating serious infections caused by certain bacteria. It is not used to treat meningitis.

How to use

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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cleocin.

Drug Class and Mechanism

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

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

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.

Warnings/Precautions

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 or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Cleocin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, or a history of liver problems or stomach or bowel problems (eg, colitis)
• if you are allergic to tartrazine

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cleocin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium) or succinylcholine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Cleocin
• Erythromycin because it may decrease Cleocin 's effectiveness

Possible Side Effects

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

• infrequent urination; mild diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• 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.

More Information

If you have any questions about Cleocin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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.