CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE

Drug Name: CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE DESCRIPTION:
CLINDAMYCIN - INJECTION (klin-duh-MY-sin)

COMMON CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE BRAND NAME(S):
Cleocin

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE SIDE EFFECTS:
CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, heartburn, cramps, weight loss, bloating, nausea and vomiting which should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor If diarrhea becomes a problem, do not take any anti-diarrhea medications. Contact your doctor. If rash, fever or hives occur, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE:
CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE: CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE is given intramuscularly or intravenously. It may be injected into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip or diluted in fluid and infused slowly into a vein over 30-60 minutes. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE WARNING:
CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE should be used only for serious infections because severe, even fatal, intestinal problems (pseudomembranous colitis) can occur. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood/mucous in your stool. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE USES:
An antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE PRECAUTIONS:
Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly. CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before you use CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE, tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking including nonprescription drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE NOTES:
CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

MISSED CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE STORAGE:
CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE must be stored properly. Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmacist. Premixed frozen bags are to be stored in the freezer before thawing. After thawing at room temperature store bags in refrigerator. Do not refreeze. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. All reconstituted solutions should be stored in the refrigerator. Store vials at room temperature away from sunlight. Check expiration date before using.