MEDICATION FACT SHEET/FEUILLET DE RENSEIGNEMENTS

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CLINDAMYCIN

Other NAMES: Dalacin ® C

WHY is this drug prescribed?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat different types of infections.

It can be given in combination with primaquine to treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). This combination is usually used for people who have experienced adverse effects to sulfa drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX, Bactrim®, Septra®) or dapsone. This combination is a safe and effective alternative.

Clindamycin can also be given in combination with pyrimethamine (Daraprim®) to treat toxoplasmosis (a rare and severe brain infection). 

HOW should this drug be taken?

Clindamycin is available as 150 mg and 300 mg capsules and as an oral solution (75 mg / 5 mL).  It can also be given intravenously (I.V: by the veins). 

For the treatment of PCP, the usual dose of clindamycin, when given by mouth, is 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours for 21 days.  When given intravenously, the recommended dose is 600 to 900 mg every 6 hours or 900 mg every 8 hours.

For the treatment of toxoplasmosis, the initial clindamycin dose is 600 mg every 6 hours for 6 weeks.  The dose can then be decreased to 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours or 450 mg every 8 hours.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you.

Your dosage is:

 150 mg capsule

 300 mg capsule

___capsules(___mg)___times a day

or

 75 mg / 5 mL oral solution

 intravenous solution

___mL (____mg)____times a day

Clindamycin capsules and oral solution may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may minimize upset stomach.

Clindamycin capsules should be taken with a full glass of water.

What should you do if you FORGET a dose?

If you miss a dose of clindamycin, take it as soon as possible.  However, if it is time for your next dose, do not double the dose, just carry on with your regular schedule.

Why should you not forget to take this drug?

If you miss doses of clindamycin, your infection may continue or worsen. In such a situation, you may need to take other drugs.  Therefore, it is extremely important that you take clindamycin for the entire duration of the treatment. 

What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause?  What should you do about them?

Clindamycin is generally well tolerated.  Occasionally this drug may cause some adverse effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Clindamycin can rarely cause a skin rash and diarrhea.  The diarrhea can potentially be serious.  Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash or if you experience significant abdominal cramps and detect blood or mucus in the stools.

Blood tests will be done to verify your liver enzymes and white blood cells (cells in your blood needed to help prevent bacterial infections).  Rarely, these values can be temporarily abnormal while you are receiving clindamycin. 

It is important that you keep your doctor appointments and come for your laboratory tests so that your progress can be followed.

What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?

Before starting clindamycin, please inform your doctor if you are allergic to this drug or if you have had any blood disorders, liver or kidney problems in the past.

The safety of clindamycin has not been established during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please discuss this with your doctor if this is a concern.  In general, breastfeeding is NOT recommended if you have HIV as you can transmit the virus to your baby through your breast milk.

Clindamycin may interfere with other drugs you are taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all prescribed and non-prescribed drugs you are taking.  As well, you should inform them of natural products you are taking. If you wish to start a new drug or natural product, please consult with your pharmacist before doing so.

How should this drug be STORED?

Clindamycin capsules and oral solution should be stored in a cool (15 to 30°C) dry place, protected from light and well out of the reach of children.  Clindamycin oral solution is good for 14 days once it is prepared.

Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of the package.

Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen, as heat and moisture may cause the drug to be less active. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this drug or if you are experiencing adverse effects, please discuss them with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse.

Write questions or concerns down to ensure they are addressed.

The following pharmacist is available to answer questions:

Pharmacist:  __________________

Telephone:   __________________

Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.tthhivclinic.com