Did the doctor prescribe this medicine called Clindamycin for you? It is usually given as a treatment for some bacterial infection in your body. So before you start using this medicine, it is very important for you to know everything about it clearly and simply. Let's talk about this in detail.
What kind of medicine is Clindamycin?
Simply put, Clindamycin is an antibiotic, that is, an antibiotic . Its main function is to destroy or stop the growth of bacteria that enter our bodies and cause diseases.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections . It will not cure viral infections like the common cold or flu.
Therefore, you should avoid using these types of medications without a doctor's prescription.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
For your safety and the effectiveness of the medication, be sure to tell your doctor the following information before starting this medication. Hiding these things puts you at risk.
| Information you need to provide | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney or liver disease | These are the organs that remove drugs from the body. If there is a condition in these organs, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Stomach problems such as colitis | Clindamycin can sometimes cause intestinal problems, so if you have a pre-existing condition, you should let your doctor know. |
| Any type of allergy | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to clindamycin, lincomycin, other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes such as tartrazine. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to tell your doctor. |
How do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Taking with water: Drink a full glass of water when taking this medicine. This will help the medicine go down your throat more easily and reduce stomach upset.
- Before or after meals: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach discomfort or heartburn after taking the medicine, take it with a meal .
- On time: Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the appropriate intervals. Twice a day, about every 12 hours.
- Complete the course: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel better after two or three days, never stop taking the medicine before the number of days prescribed by your doctor is over . If you do, the remaining bacteria can become stronger again and the disease can come back. So finish the entire course of medicine.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, an overdose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with Clindamycin
Other medications you take can affect the way Clindamycin works. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, especially:
- Birth control pills: Clindamycin may make birth control pills less effective. So talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control while taking this medicine and for a short time afterward.
- Muscle relaxants for surgery: Clindamycin can interact with some medications used during anesthesia for surgery.
- Rifampin: This is an antibiotic given for other infections, such as tuberculosis.
- Other things: Tell your doctor about any herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of starting the medication, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
- Serious skin reactions: This medicine may cause serious skin reactions in some people. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a red or purple rash with fever and body aches, which then blisters and peels off , or if you develop a red rash with swollen lymph nodes on your face, lips, neck, or armpits . This can happen even after several weeks of starting the medicine.
- Diarrhea: It is normal to experience diarrhea sometimes due to antibiotics. However, if you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if your stools are very watery, please talk to your doctor instead of taking over-the-counter medications. This could be a sign of a serious condition.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Clindamycin can cause side effects. Let's divide them into two categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Skin blisters or peeling | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe diarrhea and fever | Watery diarrhea, accompanied by fever. |
| Changes in the female vagina | Unusual discharge, itching, or odor. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Normal diarrhea | Mild, non-severe bloating. |
| A metallic taste in the mouth | A metallic taste in the mouth. |
| Nausea and stomach pain | Vomiting, feeling a slight pain in the stomach. |
Take-Home Message
- Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viruses.
- Take the full amount of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, any other medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have.
- If you experience severe diarrhea, fever, or severe skin rash while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give the medicine given to you for your illness to anyone else who you think may have the same illness.
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