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Clindamycin Topical Gel

 

Clindamycin Topical Gel (generic Cleocin T) Review

brand name: Cleocin
generic names: Clindamycin phosphate 1%, Clindamycin, Clindamycin phosphate

How does it work?

Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic called a lincosamide. It interferes with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to multiply and divide. This inhibits the ability of the bacteria to grow (bacteriostatic) and therefore, stops the spread of the infection.

Clindamycin has a similar range of antibacterial activity to the penicillins and is useful as an alternative antibiotic in those people who are allergic to penicillins or for infections caused by bacteria called staphylococci that have become resistant to penicillin. In addition it is active against anaerobes (bacteria that are able to live and grow in the absence of free oxygen).

However, it is not a widely used antibiotic because the risk of developing antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon) is greater with clindamycin compared to other antibiotics. This usually results in severe diarrhoea and clindamycin should be stoppped immediately if this occurs.

It is available as a cream which is used to treat bacterial vaginal infections.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Clindamycin (Cleocin) phosphate

If you have diarrhea while taking Cleocin T, check with your doctor before taking an antidiarrhea medication, as certain drugs may cause your diarrhea to become worse.

The diarrhea should not be treated with the commonly used drugs that slow movement through the intestinal tract, such as Lomotil or products containing paregoric.

Most important fact about Cleocin T

Although applied only to the skin, some of this medication could be absorbed into the bloodstream; and it has been known to cause severe--sometimes even fatal--colitis (an inflammation of the lower bowel) when taken internally. Symptoms, severe abdominal cramps, include severe diarrhea, or months after beginning treatment with this drug, weeks, which can occur a few days, and the possibility of the passage of blood.

Use with caution in

• People over 60 years of age
  
  
• Children less than 15 years of age
  
  

How should you take Clindamycin (Cleocin) phosphate?

Use Clindamycin (Cleocin) phosphate exactly as prescribed. Excessive use of Cleocin T can cause your skin to become too dry or irritated.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Keep from freezing. Store liquids in tightly closed containers.

--If you miss a dose...

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

How should you take Cleocin T?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Excessive use of Cleocin T can cause your skin to become too dry or irritated.

--If you miss a dose...

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Keep from freezing. Store liquids in tightly closed containers.