What is the most important information I should know about clindamycin vaginal?
You should not use clindamycin vaginal if you have an intestinal disorder such as colitis or Crohn's disease.
What is clindamycin vaginal?
Clindamycin vaginal (for use in the vagina) is an antibiotic that is used to treat vaginal infections caused by bacteria.
Clindamycin vaginal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using clindamycin vaginal?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin, or if you have:
- an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; or
- if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by using an antibiotic.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of intestinal disorder.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Clindamycin vaginal may contain ingredients that can weaken a condom and cause it to break. An unintended pregnancy could result. Avoid using a condom as a birth control method while you are using clindamycin vaginal and for at least 72 hours (3 days) after your treatment ends.
Clindamycin vaginal is not for use in girls who have not yet begun having menstrual periods.
How should I use clindamycin vaginal?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only in the vagina.
Clindamycin vaginal is usually used at bedtime for 3 to 7 nights in a row.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medicine.
Apply clindamycin vaginal using only the disposable applicators provided with the medicine. Use a new applicator each time you use the medicine, then throw the applicator away. Do not clean or reuse a disposable applicator.
Clindamycin vaginal can cause burning or irritation if you accidentally get it in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with plenty of cool water.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Clindamycin vaginal will not treat a yeast infection.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using clindamycin vaginal.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the tube of vaginal cream tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
It is best to use clindamycin vaginal only at bedtime, or while you will be resting or lying down.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using clindamycin vaginal?
Avoid having sexual intercourse or using vaginal products such as tampons, lubricants, or douches while you are using this medication.
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 before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
What are the possible side effects of clindamycin vaginal?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using clindamycin vaginal and call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Common side effects may include:
- vaginal pain; or
- symptoms of a fungal (yeast) infection--vaginal itching or discharge.
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 vaginal?
Medicine used in the vagina is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare 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 vaginal.
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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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