Indications
Cleocin (active ingredient: clindamycin) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Bacterial Infections: Cleocin is used to treat various bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. These infections may include skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, pelvic infections, bone and joint infections, and infections caused by susceptible strains of staphylococci and streptococci.
Cleocin belongs to a class of drugs known as lincosamide antibiotics, which work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thus exerting bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects depending on the concentration of the drug and susceptibility of the organism.
Uses and Dosage
Cleocin (clindamycin) comes in capsule form to be taken orally by mouth, with or without food. It is usually taken every 6 hours, 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Make sure to take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) and do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. If you have any questions about your dosage, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
For adults, the typical dose of clindamycin (Cleocin) is 150 mg to 300 mg by mouth every 6 hours. For more severe infections, the dose is 300 mg to 450 mg by mouth every 6 hours. For children, the dose will depend on their body weight. The typical dose is 8 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided into three or four equal doses. For more severe infections, the dose is 16 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided into three or four equal doses.
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Clindamycin Including:
- Any changes in bowel habits
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Little or no urination
- Metallic taste in your mouth (after injecting clindamycin)
- Severe stomach pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Common Side Effects of Clindam (Clindamycin) Include:
- Heartburn
- Joint pain
- Mild skin rash and
- Nausea
- Pain when swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Thick, white vaginal discharge
- Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Vomiting
- White patches in the mouth
Form and Strength
Cleocin (Clindamycin Hcl) is available in the following forms and strengths.
Cleocin: Capsule
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
Clindamycin Hcl: Capsule
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
Caution
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking any medication. Some medications can be harmful to an unborn baby, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Additionally, you should always follow the instructions provided with the medication and read the medication guide for information about potential side effects.
- Clindamycin can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding while taking this medicine, call your doctor.
- If your baby has any of the following symptoms: diaper rash, redness or white patches in the mouth or throat, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
- Tell your healthcare professional that you are taking clindamycin before having any immunizations or vaccinations, as clindamycin can cause live bacterial vaccines to not work as well as they should. Additionally, some vaccines may need to be deferred if you are taking clindamycin, so make sure to consult your doctor before taking any vaccinations.
- Before taking Clindamycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly any history of liver or kidney disease, as well as any gastrointestinal diseases (such as colitis or C. difficile-associated diarrhea), or any allergic conditions (like asthma, hay fever, or eczema).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How quickly does clindamycin work for a skin condition?
Treatment of acne may take up to 8 to 12 weeks before full improvement is seen. If your doctor has ordered another medicine to be applied to the skin along with this medicine, it is best to apply them at separate times.
Is clindamycin safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes, clindamycin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, speak to your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
How long do I leave clindamycin on my face?
To make sure you get the most out of your acne medications, we recommend waiting about five minutes before applying other products to get the most out of the treatment.
Are there any drug interactions with clindamycin?
Yes, there are some drug interactions with clindamycin. It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications, including over-the-counter medications, while taking clindamycin.
How long do the effects of clindamycin last?
Clindamycin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Resources
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/clindamycin
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-12237/cleocin-hcl-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/clindamycin-drug.htm#indications
- https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/cleocin-hcl-capsules
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682399.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19673-clindamycin-capsules
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