Bacteria that contributes to acne breakouts

Clogged pores

BENEFITS:

Soothes and calms inflamed pimples

Can be effective in minimizing the visibility of non-inflammatory acne, like blackheads

Inflammation

FOCUS:

SIDE EFFECTS:

Side effects of clindamycin include redness, dryness, stinging, irritation or oiliness, and peeling. Rare side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhea that is watery or bloody. Allergic reactions to this medication are rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of face/lips/tongue/throat), feeling light-headed, and difficulty breathing. Stop using it and seek emergency help if you experience severe swelling, shortness of breath, or severe diarrhea. Should you become pregnant, please check with your dermatologist to determine whether you should continue this medication.

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

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Do you have a question about Clindamycin? 

Important Information: The answers below offer a general overview, but they may not address all aspects of this medication. It's crucial to consult the official medication guide for detailed information. Also, please don't hesitate to speak with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• What does the antibiotic Clindamycin treat?
  Clindamycin, sold under the brand name Cleocin, is an antibiotic that fights various bacterial infections, including those in the lungs, skin, and abdomen. It's particularly effective against bacteria that thrive without oxygen. Typically taken four times daily with food, Clindamycin can cause stomach upset, so eating beforehand is recommended. Remember, even if you feel better halfway through, always finish the entire prescribed course to ensure the bacteria are fully eliminated and prevent them from developing resistance to the medication.

• What are the most common side effects of Clindamycin?
  While Clindamycin is an effective antibiotic, it can cause some side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These are usually mild and temporary. However, it's important to be aware of a more serious potential side effect called Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) infection, which can sometimes occur with antibiotic use. If your diarrhea gets worse or doesn't improve within a few days, or if you experience any additional symptoms like fever or stomach cramps, contact your doctor right away to rule out C. Diff.

• Is Clindamycin a powerful antibiotic?
  Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic in a sense that it can treat serious anaerobic bacterial infections. It’s more about finding the right antibiotic and not about finding the most powerful antibiotic.

• Is Clindamycin in the same family as Penicillin?
  No. Clindamycin is not in the same family as Penicillin. Clindamycin falls under the Lincomycin family.

• How long will you have diarrhea after taking Clindamycin?
  You may or may not experience diarrhea after taking Clindamycin. It is a common side effect and not an absolute one. Keep an eye on it...not literally, but if the symptoms get worse over a course of several days, be sure to contact your doctor.

• Can you drink alcohol while taking Clindamycin?
  Although there is no direct drug -drug interaction between alcohol and Clindamycin, alcohol should be avoided. It’s never a good idea to drink alcohol when your body is under “stress” such as bacterial or viral infection. Drinking even small amount of alcohol can decrease your body’s immune system or its own ability to fight infections.

• Can Clindamycin give you C diff (Clostridium difficile)?
  Yes, Clindamycin therapy has been associated with C. Difficile which can range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Mild diarrhea is common with Clindamycin, but be sure to let your doctor know if the symptoms don’t improve or if it worsens.

• What is this drug used for?
  It is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.

• What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
  If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  If you have had stomach or bowel problems like colitis.
  If you have meningitis. This drug is not used to treat meningitis.
  This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
  Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
  Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  Have your blood work checked if you are on this drug for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
  This drug does not treat the common cold.
  Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
  If you are allergic to tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.
  If you are 60 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
  Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

• What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
  WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
  Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
  Joint pain or swelling.
  Yellow skin or eyes.
  Vaginal itching or discharge.
  Fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling very tired or weak.
  Severe skin reactions may happen from 1 hour to several weeks after getting this drug. These include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions. Sometimes, body organs may also be affected. These reactions can be deadly. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or any areas of skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.

• What are some other side effects of this drug?
  All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
  Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.
  Bad taste in your mouth.
  These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
  You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch

• How is this drug best taken?
  Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
  Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
  Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  Take with a full glass of water.

• What do I do if I miss a dose?
  Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
  Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
  Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

• General drug facts
  If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

• Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
  This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient.