$Unique_ID{BRK01892}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CLINDAMYCIN (SYSTEMIC)}
$Subject{Cleocin (Upjohn)
Cleocin Pediatric (Upjohn)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Cleocin HCl*0189201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CLINDAMYCIN (SYSTEMIC)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cleocin (Upjohn)
     Cleocin Pediatric (Upjohn)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (75 mg and 150 mg)
     Oral suspension (75 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Clindamycin capsules and oral suspension should be stored at room
       temperature in tightly closed containers.  The oral suspension should
       not be refrigerated or frozen; when chilled, it thickens and becomes
       difficult to pour.  The suspension form of this medication should be
       discarded after 14 days because it loses potency after that time.

USES

     Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide
variety of bacterial infections.  It chemically attaches to the
bacteria and prevents their growth and multiplication.
Clindamycin kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective
against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     In order to prevent irritation to your esophagus (swallowing tube) or
stomach, you should take clindamycin with food or a full glass of water or
milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before
measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle,
so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly
and equalize the doses.  Each dose should then be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough.
     Clindamycin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is
kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take four doses a day,
the doses should be spaced six hours apart.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take it as soon as you remember.  However, if you do not remember to take the
missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take the missed dose
immediately; space the following dose about halfway through the regular
interval between doses; then continue with your regular dosing schedule.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if your symptoms of
infection disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the
drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and
your infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach or throat irritation, or
vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.  If the diarrhea becomes prolonged, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.  Do not
take antidiarrheal medicine.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or pus-containing diarrhea, hives, itching, muscle or joint pain, skin
rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.  Also,
if the symptoms of your infection do not improve in several days, contact your
doctor.  This medication may not be effective for your particular infection.

INTERACTIONS

     Clindamycin should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to clindamycin or lincomycin.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had colitis, kidney disease, or liver
disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking clindamycin.
     * The capsule form of this medication contains the color additive FD&C
Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type symptoms (fainting,
shortness of breath, rash) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Clindamycin has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although clindamycin
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of clindamycin pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
