Drug
Clindamycin
Pronounced
"klin-duh-MY-sin"
Side Effects
Mild diarrhea or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Although unlikely, vaginal pain/burning/itching/discharge may occur or worsen. These symptoms may be due to a new vaginal infection (such as a yeast/fungal infection, trichomonas infection). This medication may rarely cause a fungal infection in another part of your body (such as oral thrush). Contact your doctor if you notice a change in vaginal discharge, white patches in your mouth, or other new symptoms.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain when you urinate, lower back pain, menstrual problems, abnormal vaginal bleeding.
A very small amount of this medication may be absorbed into your blood and may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: intestinal diseases (such as C. difficile-associated diarrhea, enteritis, ulcerative colitis).
Do not have vaginal intercourse or use tampons or douches while using this medication because these can cause the cream to not work as well.
The mineral oil in this product can weaken rubber products such as latex condoms and diaphragms and lead to their failure. Do not use these products during treatment with this medication and for 72 hours after treatment is over. Consult your doctor about other forms of barrier protection/birth control (such as polyurethane condoms) during this time.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Oral antibiotics have been used to treat vaginal infections during pregnancy, especially high-risk pregnancies (such as pregnancies with a risk of early childbirth). Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits.
It is unknown if the medication in this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.