Uses of Cleocin:

• It is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Cleocin?

• If you have an allergy to lincomycin, clindamycin, or any other part of Cleocin (clindamycin capsules).
• If you are allergic to Cleocin (clindamycin capsules); any part of Cleocin (clindamycin capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have meningitis. This medicine is not used to treat meningitis.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

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 Cleocin (clindamycin capsules) 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 Cleocin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Cleocin (clindamycin capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Cleocin (clindamycin capsules) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine 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, talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.
• A severe and sometimes deadly reaction has happened. Most of the time, this reaction has signs like fever, rash, or swollen glands with problems in body organs like the liver, kidney, blood, heart, muscles and joints, or lungs. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If you are 60 or older, use Cleocin (clindamycin capsules) 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.

How is this medicine (Cleocin) best taken?

Use Cleocin (clindamycin capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Keep taking Cleocin (clindamycin capsules) 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.

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.
• Joint pain or swelling.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Yellow skin or eyes.
• Swollen gland.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Cleocin?

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:

• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• 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.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

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.

How do I store and/or throw out Cleocin?

• 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.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• 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 Cleocin (clindamycin capsules), 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.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
• What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
• Why can't you lay down after taking clindamycin?
• Is clindamycin a strong antibiotic?
• Can I take clindamycin if I am allergic to penicillin?
• Is clindamycin a penicillin?
• Can clindamycin be used to treat chlamydia?