Cleocin 75mg Capsules

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. This binding prevents peptide bond formation and inhibits the early stages of protein synthesis, leading to a bacteriostatic effect. It is active against a wide range of Gram-positive aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria.

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 or seek immediate 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 kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Joint pain or swelling
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Vaginal itching or discharge
Throat irritation
Coughing up blood
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak

Severe Skin Reactions

In rare cases, severe skin reactions can occur anywhere from 1 hour to several weeks after receiving this medication. These reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), can be life-threatening and may also affect internal organs. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands

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, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or persist:

Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
* Bad taste in your mouth

Reporting Side Effects

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact 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 that occurred.
A history of stomach or bowel problems, such as colitis.
* If you have been diagnosed with meningitis. Note that this medication is not intended to treat meningitis.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are using this drug for an extended period, your doctor will likely recommend regular blood tests and other laboratory evaluations to monitor your condition.

This medication is not intended to treat the common cold, and you should not use it for longer than prescribed. Prolonged use may increase the risk of developing a secondary infection.

If you have a known allergy to tartrazine (also referred to as FD&C Yellow No. 5), consult your doctor before taking this medication, as some products may contain this ingredient.

Adults 60 years of age and older should exercise caution when using this drug, as they may be more susceptible to experiencing side effects.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., atracurium, rocuronium, vecuronium): Clindamycin has neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of these agents, leading to increased or prolonged respiratory depression/paralysis.
• Erythromycin: Antagonism may occur due to competition for the same ribosomal binding site.

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin): May decrease clindamycin levels, potentially reducing efficacy.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir): May increase clindamycin levels, potentially increasing adverse effects.
• Oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a): Antibiotics may inactivate the live bacterial vaccine.

• Kaolin-pectin antidiarrheals: May reduce absorption of clindamycin if administered concurrently (separate by at least 2 hours).

• Diarrhea (especially severe, persistent, or bloody)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin rash or itching
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Sore throat or fever (signs of infection/blood dyscrasias)

Clindamycin is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed, particularly for specific infections where its benefits outweigh potential risks.

Clindamycin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers clindamycin compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions.

Clindamycin capsules are approved for use in pediatric patients. Dosage is based on body weight and severity of infection. Neonates and infants should be monitored closely due to immature renal and hepatic function. The 75mg capsule may be suitable for some pediatric dosing, but liquid formulations are often preferred for precise dosing in younger children.

No specific dosage adjustment is required based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to the development of severe colitis associated with clindamycin. Monitor renal and hepatic function, and observe closely for diarrhea and other adverse effects.

• Always warn patients about the risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and instruct them to seek immediate medical attention if severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea occurs.
• Clindamycin is a good option for anaerobic infections, including those in the abdomen, pelvis, and skin/soft tissue.
• It is also effective against many Gram-positive organisms, including MRSA in some cases (check susceptibility).
• Ensure patients take capsules with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.
• Consider alternative antibiotics if a patient has a history of severe GI issues or CDAD with other antibiotics.
• Resistance to clindamycin can develop, especially in staphylococci and streptococci, often through inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (iMLSB) resistance (D-test positive). Susceptibility testing is crucial.

• Metronidazole (for anaerobic infections)
• Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate, piperacillin/tazobactam)
• Carbapenems (e.g., imipenem, meropenem)
• Vancomycin (for MRSA or severe Gram-positive infections)
• Linezolid (for MRSA or VRE)
• Doxycycline (for some skin/soft tissue infections, including MRSA)

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