CLINDAMYCIN

Clindamycin

Generic Name: clindamycin (klin da MYE sin)
Brand names: Clindacin,Clindax

What is clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Clindamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.
Clindamycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information I should know about clindamycin

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin).
Do not take clindamycin together with erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, and others).
Before using clindamycin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an intestinal disorder such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.
Take clindamycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared. This medication will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking clindamycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clindamycin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Before taking clindamycin

Do not use clindamycin if you are:
• allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin); or
• if you are also taking erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, and others).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a clindamycin dose adjustment or special tests:
• colitis, Crohn's disease, or other intestinal disorder;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.
FDA pregnancy category B. Clindamycin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Clindamycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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