Clindamycin

What is this medication for?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic which works by preventing bacterial growth and multiplication. It is commonly used to treat infections involving the skin and soft tissues, bone and joints. It can also be applied on the skin to treat acne.

You can also find out about this medication by watching these videos:

They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Clindamycin

How should I take or use this medication?

Oral Clindamycin

• Clindamycin should be taken with or after food together with a full glass of water.
• Complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Incomplete treatment may cause the infection to recur.
• Do check with your healthcare professional before stopping your medication.

Topical Clindamycin (Gel, Lotion)

• Wash and dry your hands before and after using the medicine.
• Clean and dry the area where you will be applying Clindamycin. Apply a thin layer of the medicine and rub it on gently in a circular motion.
• Topical Clindamycin is usually applied 1 to 2 times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Avoid your eyes, nose, mouth and lips when you apply clindamycin on your skin. Wash with water if the medicine gets into any of these areas. Avoid applying onto broken or irritated skin as it can worsen the skin condition.
• It may take up to 3 months to see the effects of this medicine for acne. Do not stop using it even if you do not see results immediately.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take/use a dose, take/use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual timing. Do not take/use two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to Clindamycin, Lincomycin or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Risks and benefits regarding the use of Clindamycin should be discussed with your doctor.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Oral Clindamycin:

• Diarrhoea
  • Usually mild and temporary. Drink plenty of water with oral rehydration salts to replenish your fluids and electrolytes.
  • However, if you experience or notice any of the following severe symptoms, stop taking Clindamycin and seek medical advice immediately:
    • Fever
    • Persistent watery or loose stools with abdominal pain
    • Blood or pus in your stools
• Nausea, vomiting, metallic or unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Take Clindamycin with or after food.
• Heartburn, pain/burning sensation at the back of throat, stomach discomfort
  • Take Clindamycin with a full glass of water.
  • Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.
  • Take small but frequent meals, avoid spicy and oily foods.

Topical Clindamycin (Gel, Lotion):

• Irritation (mild stinging or burning sensation) of the skin
  • Mild, temporary, and usually disappears with treatment.
  • However, if you experience persistent and severe stinging/burning sensation of the skin, seek medical advice immediately.
• Dryness of skin
  • Moisturize skin liberally after applying topical Clindamycin.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following. Stop this medication and seek medical advice immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Skin rashes over your whole body OR ulceration of the mouth/throat/nose/genitals OR widespread blistering or peeling of the skin

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

Very rarely, Clindamycin may affect/injure the liver. Stop this medication and seek medical advice immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:

• Dark-coloured or tea-coloured urine
• Light coloured stools
• Severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication out of reach from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a bag and bring in back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.