About clindamycin

Clindamycin is used to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly those in bones or joints. It is also used to treat tooth infections where other antibiotics have not worked. It works by killing the bacteria which cause the infection.

Clindamycin is also available as a skin preparation for the treatment of acne, and as a cream for use in vaginal infections. There are two separate leaflets available for these called Clindamycin (topical) and Clindamycin (vaginal) respectively.

Before taking clindamycin

Before taking clindamycin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have any bowel problems which regularly cause diarrhoea.
• If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take clindamycin

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take clindamycin exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Swallow clindamycin capsules whole (not crushed or chewed), with a full glass of water.
• Spread your doses out evenly throughout the day. Clindamycin is usually taken every six hours.
• It is not important whether you take clindamycin before, during or after food.
• Keep taking this antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop. This is important in order to prevent the infection from coming back.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. If you are taking clindamycin for longer than 10 days, you may need to have blood tests to check on your liver and kidneys.
• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.
• If you still feel unwell after completing your course of this antibiotic, make another appointment to see your doctor.
• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking clindamycin.

Can clindamycin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: If you develop diarrhoea, contact your doctor for advice before taking any more doses.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store clindamycin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines