What is Cleocin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cleocin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cleocin, Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric, Clindamycin HCl, Cleocin Vaginal, Cleocin Vaginal Ovules, Clindesse, Clindesse

Generic Names:

  • Clindamycin Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic., Treats infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic, Antimalarial, Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Cream, Suppository, Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, Into the vagina

What form(s) does Cleocin come in

  • Cream

  • Suppository

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Cleocin doses?

  • Box 3 Suppository

  • Capsule 75MG

  • Capsule 150MG

  • Capsule 300MG

  • Tube 40GM of 2%

  • Bottle 100ML of 75MG/5ML

Common Cleocin prescriptions

  • Cleocin
    3 suppository box

  • Cleocin
    150mg capsule

  • Cleocin
    300mg capsule

  • Cleocin
    75mg capsule

  • Cleocin
    40gm of 2% tube of cream

How to take Cleocin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Capsule: Swallow with a full glass of water.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Oral liquid: Do not refrigerate or freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Oral liquid: Do not refrigerate or freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Capsule: Swallow with a full glass of water.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Suppositories: Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it.

  • Cream: Use each disposable applicator only once. Then throw it away.

  • If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water. Call your doctor if eye burning or redness does not go away.

  • Vaginal routeKeep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water. Call your doctor if eye burning or redness does not go away.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Suppositories: Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Vaginal routeKeep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

  • Cream: Use each disposable applicator only once. Then throw it away.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Cleocin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or lincomycin.

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or lincomycin, or if you have a history of colitis.

Cleocin warnings

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Do not have sex while you are being treated with this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Clindamycin may weaken rubber or latex, causing a condom or diaphragm to break. Do not use a condom or diaphragm for birth control for 3 days after you stop using the suppositories, or for 5 days after you stop using the cream.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, allergies (including an allergy to aspirin), asthma, or stomach or bowel problems (including colitis).

  • This medicine may cause severe skin reactions.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Cleocin interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how clindamycin works. Tell your doctor if you are using erythromycin.

  • This medicine may cause severe skin reactions.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Vaginal routeAvoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not have sex while you are being treated with this medicine.

  • Clindamycin may weaken rubber or latex, causing a condom or diaphragm to break. Do not use a condom or diaphragm for birth control for 3 days after you stop using the suppositories, or for 5 days after you stop using the cream.

  • Vaginal routeThis medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cleocin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Severe diarrhea that does not go away, stomach cramps

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe diarrhea, bloody or black tarry stools (may happen after you stop using this medicine)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Increased vaginal itching, burning, or discharge

  • Mild diarrhea, nausea