Clindamycin Vaginal

Conditions Treated

Vaginal clindamycin is used to treat bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina). Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Vaginal clindamycin cannot be used to treat vaginal irritation caused by yeast infections or by sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Vaginal clindamycin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• white patches in the mouth
• thick, white vaginal discharge
• burning, itching, and swelling of the vagina
• burning, painful urination
• vaginal pain
• constipation
• nausea
• headache
• back pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• stomach pain or cramping
• diarrhea
• watery or bloody stools
• fever
• blisters
• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Vaginal clindamycin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Vaginal clindamycin comes as a suppository to place in the vagina and a cream to apply to the inside of the vagina. The vaginal suppositories are usually used once a day, preferably at bedtime, for 3 days in a row. Most brands of the vaginal cream are used once a day, preferably at bedtime, for 3 days in a row or for 7 days in a row. One brand of vaginal cream (Clindesse®) is usually used as a single dose, given at any time of day. If you are using more than one dose of vaginal clindamycin, use it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use vaginal clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. This medication is for vaginal use only. Do not swallow the cream or suppositories, and do not apply the cream to any other part of your body. Be careful not to get the cream in your eyes. If you do get the cream in your eyes, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool water. Your medication will come with directions for use. Read these directions and follow them carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use vaginal clindamycin. Use vaginal clindamycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using vaginal clindamycin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before using vaginal clindamycin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin (Lincocin), or any other medications tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; condition in which the lining of all or part of the intestine is swollen, irritated, or has sores) or severe diarrhea caused by an antibiotic. Your doctor may tell you not to use vaginal clindamycin. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other medical condition. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using vaginal clindamycin. you should know that you should not have vaginal intercourse or use vaginal products such as tampons or douches during your treatment with vaginal clindamycin.