Clindamycin oral solution

March 29, 2020

Clindamycin oral solution

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.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. 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.

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

  • rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • trouble urinating

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of eyes or skin

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

  • diarrhea

  • itching in the rectal or genital area

  • joint pain

  • nausea, vomiting

  • stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

  • birth control pills

  • erythromycin

  • medicines that relax muscles for surgery

  • rifampin

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medicine is mixed by your pharmacist, store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • kidney disease

  • 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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

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.

Updated:  

March 29, 2020