Clindamycin capsules for infection

About clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibiotic which is given to treat serious bacterial infections. It is useful for treating joint and bone infections (such as osteomyelitis), and infections in the abdomen. It is also used to treat tooth infections where other antibiotics have not worked. It works by stopping the bacteria which are the cause of the infection from multiplying.

Clindamycin is also available as a skin preparation for the treatment of acne, and as a cream for use in vaginal infection. There are two separate medicine leaflets available which provide more information about these, called Clindamycin skin preparations for acne and Clindamycin cream for bacterial vaginosis.

Before taking clindamycin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking clindamycin it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Although clindamycin is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

• If you have any bowel problems which cause you to have diarrhoea.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take clindamycin

• Before you start taking clindamycin, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the medicine and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take clindamycin exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose for adults is 150-300 mg (one or two capsules) four times daily, but the dose may be less than this if it is prescribed for a child. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you (or your child), and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.

• Swallow the capsules with a full glass of water. This is so the capsules do not become lodged in your throat and cause irritation. Do not open the capsules.

• Try to space out your doses evenly throughout the day - so ideally, take a dose every six hours. You can take clindamycin before or after meals.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for any that have been missed.

• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished (unless you are told to stop by your doctor). This is to prevent the infection from coming back. A course of treatment usually lasts for a week or so, although it will be for longer than this if you are taking clindamycin for a bone infection. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course of treatment, go back to see your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to keep any routine appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored. If you are taking clindamycin for more than 10 days, your doctor will want you to have some blood tests to check that your kidneys and liver are working well.

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are due to have any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can clindamycin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with clindamycin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to clindamycin, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store clindamycin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines