Clindamycin

Generic Name

Clindamycin - oral.

Brand Names

Cleocin.

General Information

Clindamycin, an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, and abdomen. Clindamycin usually is taken every 6 hours for respiratory, pelvis, or abdomen infections or applied twice a day for acne. Clindamycin passes into the breast milk. However, clindamycin has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. Clindamycin comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth; topical solution, lotion, and gel for skin infections; and cream. Clindamycin cream comes with a special applicator. The dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed. The medicine works best if you do not get up again after applying the drug except to wash your hands and the applicator. Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Drink a full glass of water after each dose (capsules and oral liquid). The dose of clindamycin will be different for different patients. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection.

Clindamycin Dosage

The dose of clindamycin will be different for different patients.
For adults and teenagers - 150 to 300 milligrams every six hours.
For children up to 1 month of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For infants and children 1 month of age and older: Dose is based on body weight.

Side Effects of Clindamycin

The following side effects of Clindamycin may includes:

Upset stomach.
Vomiting and diarrhea.
Skin rash.
Abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe).
Nausea.
Severe dizziness.
Low blood pressure.

Warning and precautions before taking Clindamycin

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clindamycin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using clindamycin, call your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood in your stool.

Overdosage

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a clindamycin overdose are not well known, but abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be expected.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Disclaimer : All information on www.healthatoz.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.