Drug
Clindamycin
Pronounced
"klin-da-MYE-sin"
Side Effects
Although uncommon, mild stomach upset may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Rarely, vaginal discomfort/burning/itching/discharge may occur or worsen. These symptoms may be due to a new vaginal infection (such as a yeast/fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice a change in vaginal discharge or other new vaginal 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.
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 disease (such as C. difficile-associated diarrhea, enteritis, ulcerative colitis).
Do not have vaginal intercourse or use tampons or douches during treatment with 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 5 days after treatment is over. Consult your doctor about other forms of barrier protection/birth control (such as polyurethane condoms) during this time.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Antibiotics taken by mouth have been used to treat vaginal infections during pregnancy, especially high-risk pregnancies (such as if there is 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.