Clindamycin (Into the vagina)

klin-da-MYE-sin

Treats vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Drug classes

Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Clindamycin is used to treat certain vaginal infections. It works by killing the bacteria. This medicine will not work for vaginal fungus or yeast infections.

Clindamycin is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Cream, Suppository

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Suppositories: Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it.

Cream: Use each disposable applicator only once. Then throw it away.

If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water. Call your doctor if eye burning or redness does not go away.

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Avoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or lincomycin, or if you have a history of colitis.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not have sex while you are being treated with this medicine.

Clindamycin may weaken rubber or latex, causing a condom or diaphragm to break. Do not use a condom or diaphragm for birth control for 3 days after you stop using the suppositories, or for 5 days after you stop using the cream.

This medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Severe diarrhea, bloody or black tarry stools (may happen after you stop using this medicine)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Increased vaginal itching, burning, or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Cleocin Vaginal, Cleocin Vaginal Ovules, ClindaMax, Clindesse

There may be other brand names for this medicine.