Clindamycin Palmitate Hcl

What is CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

(CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL) Clindamycin is used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How should I use CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times a day. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal diseases (such as enteritis, ulcerative colitis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea), chronic asthma or hay fever (atopic conditions). Clindamycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using clindamycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: kaolin-pectin.

What should I watch for while using CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details and an appropriate treatment plan.

What if I miss a dose of CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

See also the Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or mild diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: sore/painful throat, joint pain/swelling, yellowing eyes or skin, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep CLINDAMYCIN PALMITATE HCL?

Follow the package directions about whether to refrigerate this medication or keep at room temperature and when to discard the bottle. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.