Cleocin Vaginal

Cleocin Vaginal (for use in the vagina) is an antibiotic that treats vaginal infections caused by bacteria.

Your doctor will suggest the best brand form of clindamycin vaginal based on your age and whether you are pregnant.

Cleocin Vaginal may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.

You should not use Cleocin Vaginal if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin.

You should also not use Cleocin Vaginal cream or suppositories if you have:

• stomach or bowel problems such as inflammation of your colon or intestines; or
• if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by using an antibiotic.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• any type of intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; or
• a sexually transmitted disease.

It is not known if Cleocin Vaginal will harm an unborn baby. Some brand forms of clindamycin vaginal are not for use in pregnant women, others may only be used in pregnant women in the second or third trimester. Your doctor will make sure this medicine is the right treatment for you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Cleocin Vaginal may contain ingredients that can weaken certain types of condoms or vaginal diaphragms and cause them to break. These forms of birth control may be less effective at preventing pregnancy or protecting against a sexually transmitted disease.

You may need to use another form of birth control while you are using this medicine and for several days after treatment. Ask your doctor about the best form of birth control during and after treatment with Cleocin Vaginal.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Certain forms are not indicated for females who have not reached puberty.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cleocin Vaginal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it happens months after your last dose).

Common side effects of Cleocin Vaginal may include:

• pain and burning when you urinate;
• headache, back pain, constipation;
• vaginal pain, discharge, itching, burning, redness, or dryness; or
• a fungal (yeast) infection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use in the eyes, mouth, or on your skin. This medicine is for vaginal use only.

Cleocin Vaginal can be used as a single dose treatment or a nightly treatment that may last for 3 to 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Make sure you know how to insert the medicine properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Cleocin Vaginal is available as a gel, cream or suppository. Some brand forms comes with an applicator for measuring and inserting the medicine. Insert this medicine directly into the vagina with the applicator provided or you may use your finger if desired. Clean the applicator after each use.

Certain brand forms are also available in single use prefilled applicators. These applicators should only be used once. Do not clean or reuse a disposable applicator. Throw the applicator away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left inside.

Remove the wrapper before inserting a clindamycin suppository. Do not use this product if the foil pouch is torn, opened, or unsealed.

If your doctor prescribed clindamycin for more than one dose, keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Cleocin Vaginal will not treat a yeast infection.

You may get a vaginal yeast infection while using this medicine or after treatment. You may be prescribed an antifungal medication to help treat this infection. Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Some brand forms are used as a single dose and do not require a daily dosing schedule.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Avoid having sexual intercourse or using other vaginal products such as tampons, lubricants, or douches while you are using Cleocin Vaginal. You may need to avoid sexual intercourse for some time after your last dose depending on the brand form you are using. Ask your doctor how long you should wait.

For Cleocin Vaginal suppositories or cream: Avoid using a condom or diaphragm as a birth control method while you are using this medicine. You may also need to avoid using a condom or diaphragm for 3 to 5 days after your treatment ends. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

For Cleocin Vaginal gel: Avoid using polyurethane condoms while you are using this medicine and for at least 7 days after your last dose. You will need to use latex or polyisoprene condoms during this time.

Medicine used in the vagina is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.