Generic name: clindamycin vaginal [ KLIN-da-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Cleocin Ovules, Cleocin Vaginal, Clindesse, Xaciato
Dosage forms: vaginal cream (2%), vaginal gel (2%), vaginal suppository (100 mg)
Drug classes: Topical acne agents, Vaginal anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is clindamycin vaginal?

Clindamycin vaginal (for use in the vagina) is an antibiotic that is used to treat vaginal infections caused by bacteria.

Your doctor will recommend the best brand form of clindamycin vaginal based on your age and pregnancy status.

Clindamycin vaginal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clindamycin vaginal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clindamycin vaginal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose).

Common side effects of clindamycin vaginal may include:

• pain and burning when you urinate;

• headache, back pain, constipation;

• vaginal pain, discharge, itching, burning, redness or dryness; or

• a fungal (yeast) infection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use clindamycin vaginal if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin.

You should also not use clindamycin vaginal cream or suppositories if you have:

• stomach or bowel problems such as inflammation of your colon or intestines; or

• if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by using an antibiotic.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• any type of intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; or

• a sexually transmitted disease.

It is not known if clindamycin vaginal will harm an unborn baby. Some brand forms of clindamycin vaginal are not for use in pregnant women, others may only be used in pregnant women in the second or third trimester. Your doctor will make sure this medicine is the right treatment for you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Clindamycin vaginal may contain ingredients that can weaken certain types of condoms or vaginal diaphragms and cause them to break. These forms of birth control may be less effective to prevent a pregnancy or to protect against a sexually transmitted disease.

You may need to use another form of birth control while you are using this medicine and for several days after treatment. Ask your doctor about the best form of birth control during and after treatment with clindamycin vaginal.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Certain forms are not indicated for females who have not reach puberty.

How should I use clindamycin vaginal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use in the eyes, mouth, or on your skin. This medicine is for vaginal use only.

Clindamycin vaginal can be used as a single dose treatment or a nightly treatment that may last for 3 to 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Make sure you know how to insert the medicine properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Clindamycin vaginal is available as a gel, cream or suppository. Some brand forms comes with an applicator for measuring and inserting the medicine. Insert this medicine directly into the vagina with the applicator provided or you may use your finger if desired. Clean the applicator after each use.

Certain brand forms are also available in single use prefilled applicators. These applicators should only be used once. Do not clean or reuse a disposable applicator. Throw the applicator away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left inside.

Remove the wrapper before inserting a clindamycin suppository. Do not use this product if the foil pouch is torn, opened, or unsealed.

If your doctor prescribed clindamycin for more than one dose, keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Clindamycin vaginal will not treat a yeast infection.

You may get a vaginal yeast infection while using this medicine or after treatment. You may be prescribed an antifungal medication to help treat this infection. Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Clindamycin vaginal dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Recommended dose: Apply a thin film to the affected area(s) 2 times a day

Comment:
-More than 1 pledget may be used at the same time (e.g., larger surface areas).

Use:
-Treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Vaginosis:

Non-pregnant patients:
Vaginal cream: 1 applicatorful intravaginally once at bedtime for 3 consecutive days
Vaginal suppository: Insert 1 suppository intravaginally once a day at bedtime for 3 to 7 consecutive days

Pregnant patients:
-Vaginal cream: 1 applicatorful intravaginally once at bedtime for 7 consecutive days

Comment:
-A diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis should be confirmed prior to initiating therapy.

Uses:
-Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women
-Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women and pregnant women in the second or third trimester

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years and older:
Recommended dose: Apply a thin film to the affected area(s) 2 times a day

Comment:
-More than 1 pledget may be used at the same time (e.g., larger surface areas).

Use:
-Treatment of acne vulgaris

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Some brand forms are used as a single dose and do not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using clindamycin vaginal?

Avoid having sexual intercourse or using other vaginal products such as tampons, lubricants, or douches while you are using clindamycin vaginal. You may need to avoid sexual intercourse for some time after your last dose depending on the brand form you are using. Ask your doctor how long you should wait.

For clindamycin vaginal suppositories or cream: Avoid using a condom or diaphragm as a birth control method while you are using this medicine. You may also need to avoid using a condom or diaphragm for 3 to 5 days after your treatment ends. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

For clindamycin vaginal gel: Avoid using polyurethane condoms while you are using this medicine and for at least 7 days after your last dose. You will need to use latex or polyisoprene condoms during this time.

What other drugs will affect clindamycin vaginal?

Medicine used in the vagina is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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