What is Clindamycin Phosphate? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Clindamycin Phosphate

• Use this medication as instructed.

• Please read any Patient Information or Instructions for Use that come with this medicine.

• For use on the skin:

  • Use only 1% clindamycin phosphate on the skin.

  • Do not use it in the vagina or near the eyes.

  • Before applying a dose, wash the skin with soap and water. Let it dry completely. 

  • Cream, gel: Apply a thin film of cream or gel to the skin.

  • Lotion: Shake the container well. Apply a thin film to the skin.

  • Solution, swab: Use the applicator or swab that comes with the medicine to dab a thin layer of solution onto the skin.

  • Foam: Do not dispense the foam directly onto your hands or face, but dispense it into the foam cap or other object. Use your fingers to apply a small dab to the skin and rub it in until the foam disappears. Repeat until the entire affected area has been covered.

  • Store all clindamycin dermatological products at room temperature.

  • Make sure that clindamycin aerosol foam is not exposed to temperatures over 120˚. Do not puncture the container.

• For use in the vagina:

  • Use only 2% clindamycin phosphate in the vagina.

  • Read the Instructions for Use that come with the medicine.

  • Administer cream or gel doses only with the disposable applicator.

  • Administer vaginal suppositories with the applicator or a finger.

  • Creams or gels: Fill the applicator by inserting it into the end of the tube and rolling the tube from the bottom until the plunger is fully extended.

  • Suppositories: Remove the ovule from the blister pack, pull back the plunger, and insert the ovule into the wider end of the applicator.

  • Lie on your back and insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it can comfortably go.

  • Push down the plunger until all the cream has been injected into the vagina or the ovule has been released.

  • Carefully remove the applicator.

  • The suppository can also be inserted manually. Remove the ovule from the blister pack, insert it with a thumb and forefinger, and push it with a finger as far back as it can go without causing discomfort. 

  • The vaginal suppository needs to melt, so lie down as soon as possible.

  • Throw away the cream or gel applicator.

  • Carefully wash the suppository applicator and store it in a clean, dry place.

  • Store clindamycin vaginal cream or gel at room temperature.

  • Store the vaginal ovules at room temperature, but not at temperatures over 86˚F or at high humidity.

What to do if you miss a dose of Clindamycin Phosphate

• Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.

• Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose.

• Take the next dose as scheduled.

Clindamycin Phosphate contraindications - Who shouldn't take Clindamycin Phosphate?

• Clindamycin is not safe for everyone

• Do not use clindamycin if you have:

  • Known allergies to clindamycin or lincomycin

  • A history of intestinal swelling

  • A history of ulcerative colitis

  • A history of diarrhea or colon swelling associated with antibiotic use

Clindamycin Phosphate warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using clindamycin. 

• The prescriber may need to check treatment progress. Keep all appointments.

• When using vaginal clindamycin, do not engage in sexual intercourse or use tampons during treatment.

  • Women using Xaciato should refrain from vaginal intercourse or tampons during treatment and for three days after.

• All clindamycin vaginal products contain gels or mineral oil that can weaken condoms or vaginal diaphragms. 

  • If these barrier methods are used during treatment or three to seven days after treatment ends, they may fail. 

  • The length of time that the medicine can cause contraceptive failure varies by product, so get medical advice from the prescriber or a pharmacist.

• Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have: 

  • Kidney problems

  • Digestive system problems, especially a history of colitis

  • Allergies

• Clindamycin phosphate can cause severe problems, including:

  • Severe allergic reactions or drug reactions

  • Kidney injury

• Be aware that antibiotics such as clindamycin can cause severe or life-threatening diarrhea (CDAD).  

  • This includes topical clindamycin.

  • Contact a healthcare professional if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea. 

  • C-difficile-associated diarrhea can occur up to two months after clindamycin treatment ends. 

  • Talk to a doctor before taking any anti-diarrhea medications.

• Women using vaginal clindamycin are at an increased risk of vaginal yeast infections.

  • Vaginal fungal infections can be treated with an antifungal medication.

Clindamycin Phosphate interactions & what to avoid when taking Clindamycin Phosphate

• Clindamycin has very few significant drug interactions. To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use.

• Tell any other prescriber or healthcare professional who treats you that you are taking clindamycin HCl capsules before they put you on a new medicine, particularly:

  • Nerve blocks

  • Bowel preparation laxatives

  • Vaccines against bacterial infections 

Find more detailed information about clindamycin interactions to avoid here.