$Unique_ID{BRK03092}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{clindamycin (systemic)}
$Subject{Cleocin HCI Upjohn Pediatric Antibiotic clindamycin palmitate
hydrochloride bacterial infections systemic}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Cleocin HCI*0309201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clindamycin (systemic)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Cleocin HCI (Upjohn)
     Cleocin Pediatric (Upjohn)
     clindamycin (various manufacturers)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride

DOSAGE FORMS

     Capsules (75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 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.

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, 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.