What is this medicine?
CLINDAMYCIN (KLIN da MYE sin) is a lincosamide antibiotic. It is used on the skin to stop the growth of certain bacteria that cause acne.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Acanya 1.2-2.5% Gel | VALEANT | 50/$169.98 or 150/$489.95 |
| BenzaClin 1-5% Gel | DERMIK | 25/$107.83 or 50/$204.28 |
| BenzaClin 1-5% Gel | DERMIK | 50/$168.46 or 150/$481.61 |
| BenzaClin with Pump 1-5% Gel | DERMIK | 50/$179.28 or 150/$503.85 |
| Cleocin 100MG Suppositories | PFIZER U.S. | 3/$73.44 or 9/$195.49 |
| Cleocin 2% Cream | PFIZER U.S. | 40/$74.83 or 120/$217.7 |
| Cleocin-T 1% Gel | PFIZER U.S. | 30/$62.98 or 90/$167.95 |
| Cleocin-T 1% Gel | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$104.99 or 180/$289.78 |
| Cleocin-T 1% Lotion | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$86.1 or 180/$237.31 |
| Cleocin-T 1% Solution | PFIZER U.S. | 60/$69.29 or 180/$188.98 |
| Clindagel 1% Gel | GALDERMA | 75/$266.93 or 225/$721.01 |
| Clindagel 1% Gel | GALDERMA | 40/$163.05 or 120/$452.98 |
| ClindaMax 1% Gel | PHARMADERM | 30/$53.73 or 90/$151.85 |
| ClindaMax 1% Gel | PHARMADERM | 60/$96.04 or 180/$262.51 |
| ClindaMax 1% Lotion | PHARMADERM | 60/$72.71 or 180/$204.16 |
| Clindamax 2% Cream | PHARMADERM | 40/$47.95 or 120/$137.28 |
| Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Gel | GREENSTONE | 30/$17.99 or 90/$42.09 |
| Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Gel | FOUGERA | 60/$34.99 or 180/$89.96 |
| Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Lotion | GREENSTONE | 60/$39.99 or 180/$105.97 |
| Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Solution | GREENSTONE | 60/$16.99 or 180/$47.97 |
| Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Solution | GREENSTONE | 30/$14.99 or 90/$38.99 |
| Clindamycin Phosphate 2% Cream | GREENSTONE | 40/$47.99 or 120/$132.96 |
| Duac CS 1-5% Kit | STIEFEL | 1/$172.83 or 3/$497.21 |
| Evoclin 1% Foam | STIEFEL | 100/$284.09 or 300/$804.96 |
| Evoclin 1% Foam | STIEFEL | 50/$180.46 or 150/$488.57 |
| Ziana 1.2-0.025% Gel | MEDICIS | 30/$181.06 or 90/$532.49 |
| Ziana 1.2-0.025% Gel | MEDICIS | 60/$359.44 or 180/$1023.62 |
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
- diarrhea that is watery or severe
- pain on swallowing
- stomach pain or cramps
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- dry skin
- nausea, vomiting
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.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Wash hands before and after use. Wash affected area and gently pat dry. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area as often as prescribed by your doctor or health care professional. Do not use skin products near the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get any in your eyes rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
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?- medicated cosmetics, including coverup preparations
- other acne products including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tretinoin
- skin care products that have a high alcohol content (some shaving creams, lotions, or after shave lotion)
- some skin cleansers or medicated soaps
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.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any ingredient in the formulations.
- History of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your acne should start to get better within about 6 weeks. Complete improvement may take longer. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you do not see any improvement.
Your skin may get very dry and scale or peel. Let your doctor or health care professional know if this happens. Do not use any soothing cream or ointment without advice.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diarrhea
- inflammatory bowel disease
- kidney or liver disease
- stomach problems like colitis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to clindamycin, lincomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacymany different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.