Cleocin 2% Vaginal Cream 40gm

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. This binding interferes with the initiation of peptide chains and inhibits peptidyl transferase activity, leading to bacteriostatic effects.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), including:
+ Blood in the urine
+ Burning or pain when passing urine
+ Frequent or urgent need to urinate
+ Fever
+ Lower stomach pain
+ Pelvic pain
Vaginal itching or discharge
Symptoms of C diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD), a severe form of diarrhea that can be life-threatening:
+ Stomach pain or cramps
+ Very loose or watery stools
+ Bloody stools
Do not attempt to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor first.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:

Irritation at the site of application
Back pain
Constipation
Headache

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms.
A history of certain health conditions, including:
+ Crohn's disease
+ Other stomach or bowel problems, such as colitis or enteritis
+ Severe bowel problems that occurred while taking an antibiotic, including severe diarrhea, bowel swelling, or stomach pain
Current use of products containing erythromycin

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, health problems, and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist. This includes:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins

Your doctor needs to assess the safety of taking this medication with your existing health conditions and medications. Do not initiate, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

While using this drug, it is crucial to abstain from sexual intercourse. Additionally, you may need to continue avoiding sex for a certain period after your last dose. Consult your doctor to determine the specific duration for which you should avoid sex after stopping the medication.

Please note that condoms and diaphragms may not be effective in preventing pregnancy or stopping the spread of sexually transmitted diseases while you are taking this medication and for a period of time after you stop. Therefore, you will need to use an alternative form of birth control for a certain duration after your last dose. It is vital to understand how long you need to continue using this alternative birth control method.

During the treatment period and possibly for some time after your last dose, refrain from douching or using other vaginal products, such as tampons. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Do not use this medication for an extended period beyond the recommended duration, as this may increase the risk of a second infection.

In case of accidental ingestion, this drug can be harmful. If swallowed, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine, vecuronium): Clindamycin has neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents, leading to increased or prolonged respiratory depression.

• Erythromycin: In vitro antagonism between clindamycin and erythromycin has been demonstrated. Avoid concomitant use.
• Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists: Potentiation of anticoagulant effects (increased INR/bleeding) has been reported with systemic clindamycin. While systemic absorption from vaginal cream is low, caution is advised.

• Vaginal discharge (amount, color, odor)
• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (especially severe or persistent)
• Fever

Clindamycin vaginal cream is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Studies in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of fetal abnormalities. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed, especially for bacterial vaginosis which can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Clindamycin is excreted in breast milk following systemic administration. However, systemic absorption from vaginal cream is minimal, leading to very low levels in breast milk. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor the infant for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pre-pubertal females. In post-menarchal adolescents, dosing is typically the same as adults if indicated for bacterial vaginosis.

No specific dose adjustments are necessary for elderly patients. Systemic absorption is minimal, and age-related changes in renal or hepatic function are unlikely to significantly impact drug exposure or safety with vaginal administration.

• Advise patients that this medication is for vaginal use only and should not be taken orally.
• Emphasize the importance of completing the full 7-day course of treatment, even if symptoms improve earlier, to prevent recurrence and resistance.
• Inform patients about the potential for the cream to weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, and advise alternative contraception for at least 3 days after treatment.
• Counsel patients on proper application technique using the provided applicator, preferably at bedtime to minimize leakage.
• Be aware that vaginal clindamycin can sometimes lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) as a side effect, which may require separate treatment.

• Metronidazole (oral or vaginal gel/cream)
• Tinidazole (oral)
• Secnidazole (oral)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.