Clindamycin Phosphate

Generic Name: Clindamycin Phosphate

Brands names

In the U.S.

Cleocin T
Clindacin ETZ
Clindacin P
Clindacin Pac
Clinda-Derm
Clindagel
ClindaMax
ClindaReach
Clindets
Evoclin
Z-Clinz

Available Dosage Forms:

Foam
Solution
Lotion
Pad
Gel/Jelly

Therapeutic Class: Antiacne

Chemical Class: Lincosamide

Uses of Clindamycin Phosphate

Clindamycin phosphate is part of the class of medications known as antibiotics. Clindamycin topical is utilized to control acne. It can be used by itself or in combination with other drugs that are applied on the face or in a mouthful for acne. Clindamycin topical can also be used to treat other issues according to your physician’s recommendation.

Clindamycin is only available on the prescription of your physician.

Before using Clindamycin Phosphate

When you decide to use a medication, the potential risks of using the medication must be considered in relation to the benefits it can bring. It is a choice both you and your physician will take. When it comes to clindamycin: must be taken into consideration¹:

Allergies

Discuss with your physician whether you’ve had any allergic or unusual reaction to clindamycin or other medication. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, for example, to dyes, foods or preservatives or even animals. For non-prescription medications, look over the label or ingredient list carefully.

Pediatric

Clinical studies on clindamycin phosphate have been conducted only on adult patients. There isn’t any specific data comparing the use of clindamycin among children ranging from 12 to 12 years old and different age groups.

Geriatric

A lot of medicines haven’t been specifically studied in older adults. So, it’s not possible to be determined if they function exactly the same way as they are in younger people. While there isn’t any specific data comparing the use of clindamycin for older people with other age groups, clindamycin isn’t likely to trigger different adverse symptoms or issues in older individuals than it can in younger adults.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough research studies on women to determine the risk to infants when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risk of using this medication during nursing.

Interactions with medications

While certain medications should not be taken together, however, there are instances where two medicines could be taken together, even if there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, the doctor might want to alter the dosage, or any other precautions could be required. If you’re taking clindamycin, it’s particularly important to let your physician know there are any medications mentioned below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and are not all-inclusive.

Utilizing clindamycin together with any of these medications is generally not recommended, however it could be necessary for certain instances. If two medicines are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you are taking one or both drugs.

Cholera Vaccine, Live
Erythromycin

Clindamycin in conjunction together with any of the following medications can result in an increase in the risk of certain adverse effects, however, having both medicines in combination could be the most effective treatment for you. If you are prescribed both medicines in combination, your physician might alter the dosage or frequency at which you take either or both drugs.

Atracurium
Metocurine
Tubocurarine

Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food

Certain medications shouldn’t be taken during or in conjunction with having food items or eating particular kinds of food as interactions could happen. The use of tobacco or alcohol along with certain medicines can create interactions. Talk to your doctor about the interaction of your medication when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical issues

The presence of medical conditions can affect the dosage of the drug clindamycin. Be sure to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical issues particularly:

A history of intestinal or stomach diseases (especially colitis, which includes antibiotic-induced colitis or enteritis)–These conditions could make it more likely to suffer from adverse reactions that affect the stomach and the intestines.

Use of clindamycin phosphate in the correct way

Before applying clindamycin phosphate thoroughly clean the affected areas thoroughly with warm soap and water, wash thoroughly, then wipe dry.

If you apply the medicine, apply enough of the medicine to cover the area with a light touch. The medicine should be applied to the entire area that is affected by acne and not just the pimples. This will prevent new pimples from forming.

It is best not to wash the affected areas of your face with soap too frequently. It can dry out your skin and cause it to get acne more severe. Cleansing with a mild, bland soap two or 3 times daily is enough for you, unless you suffer from oily skin. If you have any concerns regarding this, consult your physician.

Clindamycin topical treatment will not heal your acne. However, to maintain your skin’s health, continue taking clindamycin throughout the entire period of treatment even if you notice your acne starting to improve after several days. It is possible that you will need to keep applying clindamycin each day for months, or longer in some instances. If you stop taking the drug too quickly the symptoms could come back. It is crucial to not take a dose that you have missed.

For patients taking the form of topical foam the drug:

After shaving or washing the skin, it is recommended to wait for 30 minutes before applying clindamycin phosphate. The alcohol contained in it can cause irritation to freshly shaved or washed skin.
Clindamycin phosphate includes alcohol, and it is flammable. Do not use it near the flame, in close proximity to heat or when smoking.
To apply clindamycin phosphate
- Do not apply the topical clindamycin foam directly onto your fingers because the foam can begin to melt upon contact with skin that is warm.
- The clear cap must be removed. The black mark should be aligned with the actuator’s nozzle.
- Stand the can upright and press it hard to release. The amount you dispense will fill any area affected area(s) straight into the container or directly onto an unheated surface.
- The can be placed in cold water to see when the container appears to be too warm, or the liquid appears thin.
- Small amounts of foam should be taken using your fingertips, then gently massaged on the affected areas until the foam disintegrates.
- Medicine that has not been used from the container is to be disposed of.
- Because clindamycin is a component of alcohol, it may cause itching or cause burns. It also has an unpleasant taste when it comes into contact with the lips or mouth. Therefore, you should avoid getting clindamycin into your eye, nasal, mouth, or any of the mucous membranes of other areas. The medicine should be spread out off from the areas while applying. If clindamycin is able to get into the eyes, rinse the eyes immediately, but slowly and thoroughly with plenty of cold tap water. If your eyes continue to burn or hurt, consult with your physician.
It is crucial that you don’t use the drug more frequently than the prescription your doctor gave you. It could make your skin dry or inflamed.

For patients who are using the solution for topical use of Clindamycin:

After shaving or washing after shaving, you should take a break for 30 minutes prior to applying Clindamycin. The alcohol contained in it can cause irritation to freshly shaved or washed skin.
Clindamycin has alcohol in it and can be flammable. Avoid using close to heat, near open flames, or while smoking.
For clindamycin to be applied:
- Clindamycin phosphate is available in a bottle, which has an applicator tip. This tip can be applied directly to the skin. Utilize the applicator in dabbing instead of rolling (not as the roll-on type of deodorant, like). Turn the bottle upside down and place the tip in a firm position against your skin. If you need to, you can help the medicine flow more quickly through the applicator tip by a slight increase in pressure on the skin. If the medication is flowing too fast, apply less pressure. If the tip of the applicator becomes dry, flip the bottle upside down, then press the tip repeatedly to moisten it.
- Because it contains alcohol, it may cause itching or cause burns. It also has an unpleasant taste if it is placed on lips or the mouth. So, try not to get clindamycin into your eye, nasal, mouth or different mucous membranes. Apply the medication far away from those areas while applying. If clindamycin gets into the eyes, rinse the eyes quickly, but cautiously using large quantities of cold tap water. If your eyes are still burning or hurt, consult with your physician.
It is essential to not take the clindamycin treatment more frequently than what your doctor has prescribed. It could make your skin dry or inflamed.

For patients who are taking the suspension that is applied to the skin form of the drug:

Shake well prior to applying.

Dosing

The dosage of clindamycin phosphate can differ depending on the patient. Follow the instructions of your physician or the instructions in the prescription. The following information is the most common dose of the drug clindamycin. If your dose differs you should not alter it unless your doctor advises you to change it.

The quantity of medicine you are taking is determined by how strong the drug is. Additionally, the amount of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses and the amount of time you are taking the medicine will are contingent on the medical issue for which you’re taking the medication.

For topical dosage form (foam):
- For acne:
  - Children and adults older than 12 years old over–Apply daily to the areas that have acne.
  - Children and infants up to 12 years old. The dosage and dosage should be determined by your physician.
For dosage forms for topical use (gel solution, gel, and suspension):
- For acne:
  - Children and adults older than 12 years old over: Apply twice a every day to the areas that are affected by acne.
  - Infants and children as young as 12 years old. Use and dose should be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you do not take a dose of clindamycin apply it as quickly as you can. But, if it’s nearing the time to take your next dose, avoid any missed doses and move back to your normal dose schedule.

Storage

Keep the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat and bright light. Avoid getting frozen.

Keep your items out of children’s reach.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medications that are no longer needed.

Watchful when using clindamycin phosphate

If your acne doesn’t improve in the next six weeks or is getting worse, consult your physician. But, treating acne can take between 8-12 weeks before a complete improvement can be noticed.

If your doctor has recommended another medication to be applied to your skin, along with clindamycin it is advised that you apply the two at various intervals. This will help to prevent your skin safe from being sensitive. In addition, if the medications are used in close proximity to each other and they are not working effectively.

For patients who are using the form of topical solution of clindamycin phosphate:

Clindamycin can cause the skin to dry up regardless of normal usage. If this occurs, you should consult with your physician.

In certain patients, clindamycin could cause diarrhea in some patients.

A severe case of diarrhea could be a sign of a serious adverse reaction. Avoid taking any medicine for diarrhea without consulting your physician. Diarrhea medicine can cause your diarrhea to get worse or cause it to last longer.
In case of mild diarrhea only medicine for diarrhea that contain attapulgite (e.g. Kaopectate, Diasorb) can be taken. Other types of diarrhea medicines (e.g., Imodium A.D. or Lomotil) should not be used. They could cause your condition to get worse or cause it to take longer to heal.
If you have questions about this or if you notice that mild diarrhea persists or becomes worse take a look at your doctor.

You can continue to use cosmetics (make-up) even if you’re using clindamycin to treat acne. But, it is recommended to only use “water-base” cosmetics. It is also recommended not to apply cosmetics in excess or for too long. They could make your acne more severe. If you have questions regarding this, consult your physician.

clindamycin phosphate side effects

In addition to its beneficial effects, medicines can result in unwanted negative effects. While not all adverse effects can occur, if they occur, they might require medical attention.

Consult your physician immediately in the event that any of these adverse effects happen:

Rare

Stomach cramps or abdominal pain along with bloating and pain (severe)
Diarrhea (watery or severe) can be bloody
febrile
Increased thirst
nausea or vomiting
unusual fatigue or weakness
weight loss (unusual)–these adverse effects can take place for several weeks after the last use of Clindamycin

Consult your physician promptly should any of the following adverse effects happen:

Less popular

Skin rash, itching swelling, redness or any other sign of irritation that were not present prior to treatment with clindamycin.

There are some side effects that can occur that usually don’t require medical care. These side effects can be eliminated after treatment, as the body adapts. Additionally, your doctor might be able to inform you how to avoid or lessen certain adverse effects. Talk to your physician for any of these symptoms persist or become uncomfortable or if you have concerns regarding these:

More popular

Dryness, scaliness or peeling of the skin (for application of the solution to treat it)