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.

You should not use clindamycin vaginal if you have an intestinal disorder such as colitis or Crohn's disease.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Recommended dose: Apply a thin film to the affected area(s) 2 times a day

Comment:
-More than 1 pledget may be used at the same time (e.g., larger surface areas).

Use:
-Treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Vaginosis:

Non-pregnant patients:
Vaginal cream: 1 applicatorful intravaginally once at bedtime for 3 consecutive days
Vaginal suppository: Insert 1 suppository intravaginally once a day at bedtime for 3 to 7 consecutive days

Pregnant patients:
-Vaginal cream: 1 applicatorful intravaginally once at bedtime for 7 consecutive days

Comment:
-A diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis should be confirmed prior to initiating therapy.

Uses:
-Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women
-Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women and pregnant women in the second or third trimester

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years and older:
Recommended dose: Apply a thin film to the affected area(s) 2 times a day

Comment:
-More than 1 pledget may be used at the same time (e.g., larger surface areas).

Use:
-Treatment of acne vulgaris

You should not use clindamycin vaginal 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.

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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat (above 86 °F) and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clindamycin vaginal may cause serious side effects. 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 of clindamycin vaginal 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.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish using the vaginal clindamycin, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.