Join Now | Sign in

Drug Notebook

Save

Generic Name: clindamycin

View All Brands

A lincomycin derivative - treats Skin or Soft Tissue Infection, Bacteremia, Bacterial Infection, Tox... more

FDA Alerts

Diarrhea and Colitis

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis (CDAD; also known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis or pseudomembranous colitis) has been reported with nearly all anti-infectives, including clindamycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Anti-infectives alter normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia; a toxin produced by C. difficile is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis.
It is important to consider a diagnosis of CDAD in patients who develop diarrhea subsequent to clindamycin treatment. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks after cessation of clindamycin therapy.
After a diagnosis of CDAD has been established, initiate therapeutic measures.

Mild cases usually respond to drug discontinuation alone.

In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an anti-infective clinically effective against CDAD. (See Superinfection/Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea and Colitis under Cautions.)
Because clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis (potentially fatal), it should be reserved for treatment of serious infections when less toxic anti-infectives are inappropriate.
Do not use for nonbacterial infections.

Media Gallery

images

Cleocin HCl
CLEOCIN 300 mg / CLEOCIN 300 mg 300 mg	CLEOCIN 150MG / CLEOCIN 150MG 150 mg
Clindamycin Hydrochloride
RX693 RX693 / RX693 RX693 300 mg	G 150 mg / 3328 150 mg	cor 153 cor 153 / cor 153 cor 153 150 mg	93 3171 / 93 3171 150 mg
DAN 5708 / DAN 5708 150 mg	cor 154 cor 154 / cor 154 cor 154 300 mg	DAN 3120 / DAN 3120 300 mg

Drug Info Tools

Pill Finder

Search by color, shape and markings. click here

Drug Interaction Checker

Check any 2 drugs for interactions. click here

Drug Compare

Compare any two drugs side by side. click here

Healthline Part D Plan Selector

Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.

Marketplace

Licensed from

clindamycin

Page: < Back 1 2 3

(klin da MYE sin)

What are the possible side effects of clindamycin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using clindamycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Keep taking clindamycin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

mild nausea or stomach pain;
vaginal itching or discharge;
mild skin rash or itching; or
irritation in your throat.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect clindamycin?

There may be other drugs that can affect clindamycin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about clindamycin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Clindamycin is available with a prescription under the brand name Cleocin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Cleocin 75 mg--green capsules
Cleocin 150 mg--light-blue and green capsules
Cleocin 300 mg--light-blue capsules

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Page: < Back 1 2 3