Cleocin T 1% Pledgete 60s

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting peptide bond formation. For acne, it inhibits the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and reduces inflammation.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

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
A severe form of diarrhea called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can be life-threatening. This may occur during or after treatment with the antibiotic. Warning signs include:
+ 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. Although many people experience no side effects or only mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Irritation at the site of application
Burning
Itching
Dry skin
Redness
Oily skin

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

Reporting Side Effects

To report side effects, you can:

Call your doctor for medical advice
Contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088
* Visit the FDA's MedWatch website 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 certain health conditions, including:
+ Crohn's disease
+ Other stomach or bowel problems, such as colitis or enteritis
+ Severe bowel problems that have occurred while taking an antibiotic, including severe diarrhea, bowel swelling, or stomach pain
Current use of any products containing erythromycin

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all of 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 and pharmacist need this information to ensure it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

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

When using this drug, avoid covering the treated area with bandages, dressings, or makeup unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

You may need to wait several weeks to experience the full effects of this medication.

Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use.

This drug can be harmful if ingested. If you accidentally swallow it, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication to you and your baby.

If you are breastfeeding and apply this drug to your breast or nipple, be sure to wash the area thoroughly before nursing your child.

• Erythromycin (potential antagonism if applied concomitantly)

• Topical peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents (may increase irritation)

• Dryness
• Peeling
• Erythema (redness)
• Burning/stinging
• Itching
• Oily skin
• Folliculitis
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, abdominal pain - rare but possible with systemic absorption)

Clindamycin topical is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Category B). Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and human data suggest low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.

Clindamycin topical is considered compatible with breastfeeding (L3). While clindamycin is excreted in breast milk after systemic administration, systemic absorption from topical application is minimal, making infant exposure very low. Monitor the infant for signs of diarrhea.

Safe for use in adolescents and children, typically 12 years of age and older, for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Dosing is generally the same as for adults. Safety and efficacy in younger children have not been established.

No specific dose adjustments are necessary for geriatric patients. Systemic absorption is minimal, so age-related changes in renal or hepatic function are unlikely to significantly impact drug exposure.

• Topical clindamycin is often used in combination with benzoyl peroxide to enhance efficacy and minimize the development of bacterial resistance.
• Patients should be advised that it may take several weeks (typically 6-8 weeks) of consistent use to see significant improvement in acne.
• Apply to the entire affected area where acne lesions occur, not just individual spots, to prevent new breakouts.
• Pledgets are convenient for targeted application and can be useful for hard-to-reach areas or for patients who prefer a pre-measured dose.
• Counsel patients on the importance of adherence and proper application technique for optimal results.

• Other topical antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin topical)
• Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene)
• Benzoyl peroxide topical
• Azelaic acid topical
• Salicylic acid topical
• Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline, for more severe acne)
• Oral isotretinoin (for severe, recalcitrant acne)

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 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 emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate timely and appropriate care.