DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Clindamycin Injection Solution (klin-da-MYE-sin)
Brand Name: Cleocin

Infrequently, there are severe, rarely fatal, intestinal problems that can occur after use of Clindamycin Solution. Consult your doctor right away if you develop persistent diarrhea, stomach pain, or blood or mucus in your stool. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of Clindamycin Solution. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medicines if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using Clindamycin Solution.

Clindamycin Solution is used for:

Treating serious infections caused by certain bacteria.

Clindamycin Solution is a lincomycin antibiotic. It works by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by certain bacteria to survive.

Do NOT use Clindamycin Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Clindamycin Solution or to lincomycin
• you have meningitis, Crohn disease, antibiotic-associated colitis, or ulcerative colitis

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

Before using Clindamycin Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Clindamycin Solution. 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, an intestinal disease, or liver disease
• if you have a decreased or lack of allergic response

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Clindamycin Solution. 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 Clindamycin Solution
• Erythromycin because it may decrease Clindamycin Solution's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Clindamycin Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Clindamycin Solution:

Use Clindamycin Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Clindamycin Solution is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Clindamycin Solution at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Clindamycin Solution. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Clindamycin Solution if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Clindamycin Solution works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, use Clindamycin Solution for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Clindamycin Solution, 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.

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

Important safety information:

• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Clindamycin Solution only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Clindamycin Solution for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Clindamycin Solution may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Clindamycin Solution has benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Clindamycin Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Clindamycin Solution with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially diarrhea.
• Use Clindamycin Solution with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old who have diarrhea or an infection of the stomach or bowel.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clindamycin Solution while you are pregnant. Clindamycin Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Clindamycin Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Clindamycin Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; infrequent urination; nausea; pain or irritation at the injection site; 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); blood or mucus in stools; difficulty swallowing; severe or continuing diarrhea; stomach pain/cramps; swelling of hands, eyes, or throat; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Clindamycin Solution:

Store Clindamycin Solution at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Keep Clindamycin Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

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

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Clindamycin Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.