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Clindamycin Phosphate Solution for injection

A lincomycin derivative - It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections

Generic Name: clindamycin

Brand Names: Cleocin HCl, Clindamycin Phosphate, Cleocin Pediatric, Clindamycin Hydrochloride

There is an FDA Alert for this drug. Click here to view it.

What is this medicine?

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:

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is not for use in premature infants.

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, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

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 health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days, or 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
  • change in amount or color of urine
  • chest pain
  • low blood pressure
  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • unusual bleeding, bruising
  • unusually weak or tired
  • yellowing of eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • body aches, pain
  • metallic, bad taste
  • nausea, vomiting
  • pain where injected
  • stomach pain
  • vaginal irritation, itching

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.


Last Updated: March 23, 2009
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