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Clindamycin (oral/injection)

  • Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
  • Swallow clindamycin capsules whole (not crushed or chewed), with plenty of water.
  • Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of clindamycin.
  • Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking clindamycin and unplanned pregnancies are possible.
  • The most common side effects are itching, skin rashes and being or feeling sick. If you suffer from diarrhoea during treatment with clindamycin, it is best to inform your doctor straight away.

About clindamycin (oral/injection)

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Infections such as those in bones and joints.
Also called Dalacin C
Available as Capsules and injection

Clindamycin works by killing a wide range of bacteria that can cause infection.

Before taking clindamycin (oral/injection)

Before taking clindamycin oral make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems
  • If you suffer from any bowel problems which regularly cause diarrhoea
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)

How to take clindamycin (oral/injection)

  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Swallow clindamycin capsules whole (not crushed or chewed), with plenty of water.
  • Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level of clindamycin in your body.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss 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. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of clindamycin. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
  • Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking clindamycin and unplanned pregnancies are possible. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking clindamycin and for at least seven days after your course of clindamycin has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can clindamycin (oral/injection) cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Tummy discomfort This may improve after a few days of treatment.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Skin rashes or itching If this prevents you from taking your medicine speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience diarrhoea, stop taking clindamycin and contact your doctor immediately.
If you experience a skin rash, itching, fever (high temperature), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), joint pains, swelling of the tongue, throat or face, stop taking clindamycin and contact your doctor immediately.

How to store clindamycin (oral/injection)

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

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3615		 DocRef:
dils3176		 Last Updated:
1 Mar 2007		 Date of Next Review:
28 Feb 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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