Clindamycin Phosphate, Vaginal

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is used in the vagina to treat infections caused by bacteria. Use it exactly as directed.
• If you develop severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 or 3 days while taking this medicine, or for several weeks after you stop taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: clindamycin phosphate, vaginal; Cleocin Vaginal Cream; Cleocin Vaginal Ovules; Clindesse Vaginal Cream

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the vagina to treat infections caused by certain bacteria.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Colitis or other problems with your intestines
• Severe diarrhea caused by an antibiotic

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. This medicine is for use in the vagina only. Avoid getting any of the medicine into your eyes because it can be very irritating. If the medicine gets into your eyes by accident, flush them with plenty of cool water.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in girls who have not yet reached puberty.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

This medicine comes in different forms. Carefully follow the instructions in the medicine package for proper use of this medicine.

If you have the cream form, the medicine is in a tube. Take the cap off the tube and screw the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the medicine into the applicator slowly until the applicator is full. Remove the applicator from the tube. Put the cap back on the tube. Clindesse comes in a pre-filled applicator.

Use the applicator to put the correct amount of medicine into your vagina. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold the full applicator in one hand. Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Slowly press the plunger until it stops. Withdraw the applicator. The medicine will be left behind in the vagina.

If you have the ovule form, remove the ovule from the package. You may insert it with or without using the applicator. To use the applicator, pull back the plunger about an inch and place the vaginal ovule in the wide end. Use the applicator to put the correct amount of medicine into your vagina. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold the full applicator in one hand. Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Slowly press the plunger until it stops. Withdraw the applicator. To use your finger, gently push the ovule into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Once inside the vagina, the ovule melts.

While using this medicine, wear a sanitary napkin to protect your clothing. If you use the medicine only once a day, use it at bedtime.

If you do not understand how to use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

Use this medicine for as long as directed by your healthcare provider, even if your condition seems to improve. Do not stop using the medicine even during your menstrual period. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: watery bloody diarrhea.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause or worsen diarrhea. If you develop severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 or 3 days while taking this medicine, or for several weeks after you stop taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not take medicine to treat diarrhea without your provider's approval.

Avoid sexual intercourse and other vaginal products (tampons or douches) while using this medicine and for 72 hours after your last dose, or for 7 days if you are using Clindesse. Ask your healthcare provider about this and the use of the medicine during menstrual periods.

This medicine contains mineral oil that can weaken latex or rubber products such as condoms and vaginal contraceptive diaphragms. Do not use condoms or diaphragms within 3 days after the use of this medicine. If you have Clindesse cream, do not use condoms or diaphragms for 5 days after you use the medicine.

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it get worse.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe irritation of the vagina, increased vaginal discharge, severe or watery diarrhea, severe stomach pain or cramps, bloody or tarry bowel movements, painful urination, blood in your urine.

Other: Constipation, headache, back pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other medicines in the vagina unless they are approved by the healthcare provider who prescribed this medicine.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.