clindamycin topical

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Pronunciation: KLIN da MYE sin TOP ik al

Brand: Cleocin T, Clindacin ETZ, Clindacin P, Clindagel, ClindaMax

What is the most important information I should know about clindamycin topical?

You should not use clindamycin topical if you have ulcerative colitis or enteritis (inflammation of your intestines), or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

What is clindamycin topical?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Clindamycin topical (for the skin) is used to treat severe acne in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Clindamycin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using clindamycin topical?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin, or if you have:

  • inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis);
  • ulcerative colitis; or
  • if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

Clindamycin topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether clindamycin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use clindamycin topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Clindamycin topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Clindamycin topical is usually applied once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Wash your face with a mild soap or cleanser and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clindamycin topical. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the clindamycin topical foam canister away from an open flame or high heat. Do not puncture the canister or throw an empty canister into a fire.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms include bloody or watery diarrhea, which may result if you absorb this medicine through your skin by applying too much.

What should I avoid while taking clindamycin topical?

Do not smoke while using clindamycin topical foam, or immediately after applying it. The contents of the foam canister are flammable.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

What are the possible side effects of clindamycin topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when clindamycin is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Stop using clindamycin topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe redness, itching, or dryness of treated skin areas; or
  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild burning or itching;
  • oily skin;
  • mild dryness of treated skin; or
  • redness or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect clindamycin topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied clindamycin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about clindamycin topical.

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.

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