What does it do?
Clindamycin is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.
How should you take it?
Take clindamycin regularly as directed. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
Clindamycin can damage the oesophagus (food pipe). To avoid this, take it with a large glass of water. Swallow the capsule whole, do not crush or chew it. Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose.
What if you forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Diarrhoea, stomach cramps, blood in bowel motions Trouble swallowing, chest pain, indigestion or heartburn (new or getting worse) Increased risk of infection - symptoms may include: fever, chills, sore throat, aches and pains, tiredness, pain when peeing, mouth ulcers Easy/unusual bruising or bleeding Skin rash |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Nausea |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, porphyria, or have had severe diarrhoea due to antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. October 2017
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed