A lincomycin derivative - It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections
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.
CLINDAMYCIN (KLIN da MYE sin) is a lincosamide antibiotic.
It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can.
If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products.
Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
dark urine
pain on swallowing
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
FDA Alerts
Media Gallery
