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- $Unique_ID{BRK03093}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{clindamycin (topical)}
- $Subject{Cleocin T Upjohn Antibiotic clindamycin phosphate topical acne
- vulgaris bacteria Propionibacterium acnes}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- clindamycin (topical)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Cleocin T (Upjohn)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antibiotic
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- clindamycin phosphate
-
- DOSAGE FORMS
-
- Topical solution (10 mg per ml)
- Topical gel (1%)
- Topical lotion (10 mg per ml)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Clindamycin topical solution, gel, or lotion should be stored at room
- temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be kept away from flames
- and heat because the solution is flammable (it contains alcohol).
-
- USES
-
- Clindamycin topical solution is used to treat acne vulgaris. It is an
- antibiotic that is thought to act by suppressing the growth of the bacteria
- Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria are probably responsible for the
- formation of the acne sores.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- Before applying topical clindamycin, wash the affected area thoroughly
- with a mild soap and warm water. Then rinse well and pat dry. To avoid skin
- irritation from the alcohol, wait at least 30 minutes after washing or shaving
- before applying this medication.
- The solution is packaged in a bottle with an applicator tip that can be
- used to apply the solution directly to the skin. Press the applicator tip
- firmly against your skin. The pressure applied determines the amount of
- medicine released. Use the applicator with a dabbing motion rather than a
- rolling motion. A thin film of medication should be applied to the entire
- area of skin affected by acne.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as possible,
- unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not apply the
- missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.
- Topical clindamycin does not cure acne, but it helps to control it as
- long as you continue to use the drug.
- It is important to continue to apply this medication for the entire time
- prescribed by your doctor (which may be several months), even if your symptoms
- disappear in several days. If you stop applying the medication too soon, the
- bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and your infection could
- recur.
- If there is no improvement in your condition after six weeks of using
- this medication, check with your doctor. However, it may take up to 12 weeks
- before improvement in your acne is readily apparent.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Diarrhea, dry skin, fatigue, headache, nausea, oily skin, or stomach
- irritation. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
- medication.
- If diarrhea becomes severe or prolonged, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR. Do not
- take any 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, increased urination, itching, sore throat,
- or swelling of the face.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- If you are using another topical medication as well as clindamycin, it is
- best to apply them at different times to increase effectiveness and reduce the
- chance of skin irritation.
- Use of abrasive or medicated cleansers, medicated cosmetics, or any
- topical, alcohol-containing preparations (such as after-shave lotions or
- perfume) in conjunction with topical clindamycin can result in excessive skin
- dryness and irritation.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any drugs, especially to clindamycin or lincomycin.
- * Tell your doctor if you have ever had colitis.
- * Because this medication contains alcohol, it can cause skin irritation
- in sensitive areas. In addition, it has an unpleasant taste if it gets on the
- mouth or lips. You should avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose,
- or mouth, or in the areas surrounding scratches or burns.
- * You may continue to use cosmetics while applying this medication
- (unless otherwise directed by your doctor), but it is best to use only
- "water-based" cosmetics rather than ones with an oil base.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although topical
- 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. It is not known whether topical clindamycin passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-