Cleocin is a brand of clindamycin phosphate, which is a water-soluble ester of the antibiotic clindamycin. It is available as a sterile solution for intravenous use, with dosage strengths of 300 mg, 600 mg, and 900 mg of clindamycin. Key inactive ingredients include disodium edetate and benzyl alcohol. Cleocin is designed for use as a semisynthetic antibiotic.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take this medication while standing or sitting. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Esophageal ulcer—loss of appetite, throat pain, pain or trouble swallowing, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dry cough -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes -Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -Severe diarrhea, fever -Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Metallic taste in mouth -Nausea -Stomach pain -Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Stomach or intestine problems, such as colitis -An unusual or allergic reaction to clindamycin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Estrogen or progestin hormones -Medications that relax muscles for surgery -Rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms. Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medicine can cause severe diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if you have severe watery diarrhea. If severe diarrhea continues and is not treated it could be deadly. This medicine can cause severe diarrhea while you are taking it or up to 2 months after you are done with it. If you get severe diarrhea within 2 months of stopping this medicine, tell your healthcare provider and remind them that you took this medicine.