Cleocin Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cleocin Capsule contains clindamycin hydrochloride, a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections in the body. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu. Cleocin is available as capsules, an oral liquid solution, and an injection, and must be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor.

What is Cleocin Capsule

Cleocin is an antibiotic medicine. Its active ingredient, clindamycin, is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.

Cleocin Capsule uses

• Serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria
• Serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci (especially in people allergic to penicillin)
• Serious respiratory tract infections such as empyema, anaerobic pneumonitis, and lung abscess
• Serious skin and soft tissue infections
• Septicemia (bloodstream infections)
• Intra-abdominal infections such as peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess
• Infections of the female pelvis and genital tract such as endometritis and tubo-ovarian abscess
• Stomach infections
• Bone and joint infections (injection form only)

Benefits of Cleocin Capsule

• Treats susceptible bacterial infections
• Used for certain skin and soft-tissue infections
• Treats some respiratory infections
• Effective against various anaerobic bacteria
• May be used for certain serious infections when clinically appropriate

How Cleocin Capsule works

Clindamycin works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive, which stops them from growing and spreading. It does not kill viruses, so it will not help with colds or flu.

Cleocin Capsule dosage

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water (about 6 to 8 ounces). Take the capsule at least 30 minutes before lying down to reduce the chance of irritation to your food pipe (esophagus). It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food. Space your doses evenly apart and try to take them at about the same time each day.

Keep taking the medicine until you finish the whole course, even if you start to feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next one; otherwise take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose.

Capsules are not suitable for children or others who cannot swallow them whole; a liquid form may be used instead in these cases.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsules
• Oral liquid solution
• Injection (intravenous or intramuscular, given by a healthcare professional)

Side effects of Cleocin Capsule

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Metallic or unpleasant taste
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain and swelling
• Oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
• Vaginal thrush (soreness, itching, or discharge)

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other body parts, wheezing or trouble breathing
• Severe or watery diarrhea, especially with blood, stomach cramps, and fever, which can occur even weeks after stopping the medicine
• Severe skin rash or blisters, often with flu-like symptoms
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet, passing less urine, irregular heartbeat, confusion, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and nausea (possible kidney problem)
• Chest pain and/or shortness of breath
• Enlarged lymph glands and/or fever

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause a serious bowel infection called C. difficile infection, which can range from mild diarrhea to severe, life-threatening colitis. This can happen during treatment or even more than two months after stopping the medicine.
• Serious allergic reactions can occur, including anaphylaxis and severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which have sometimes been fatal.
• This medicine can potentially harm the kidneys, so kidney function may need to be monitored, especially in people with existing kidney problems.
• This medicine should not be used to treat meningitis because it does not reach the brain and spinal fluid well enough.
• Taking the capsules without enough water or lying down soon after taking them can cause irritation or ulcers in the esophagus (food pipe).
• Using antibiotics when they are not needed, or not finishing the full course, can lead to bacteria that are harder to treat in the future.
• Clindamycin can cross the placenta, so it should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides it is clearly needed, especially during the first trimester. Cleocin capsules are not recommended while breastfeeding; talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
• No dosage change is usually needed for people with kidney disease, but tell your doctor if you have kidney disease before starting this medicine. People with severe liver disease may need periodic liver function tests while taking this medicine, although dosage usually does not need to change.

Storage

• Keep your capsules in the original pack until it is time to take them.
• Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C (store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C / 68° to 77°F).
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, on a window sill, or in the car, since heat and dampness can damage the medicine.
• Keep it where children cannot reach it, such as a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground.
• If your doctor tells you to stop taking the medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of any leftover medicine.

When to see a doctor

• Get urgent medical help if you notice signs of a sudden allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it happens weeks after you stop taking this medicine, as it could be a sign of a serious bowel condition.
• Seek medical care right away if you develop a severe skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin, even after you have stopped the medicine.
• Contact your doctor if you develop a sore, white mouth or tongue, or vaginal itching or discharge, as this could be a fungal infection.
• Get medical help right away if you have watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, or severe stomach cramps, which could be signs of a serious C. difficile infection.
• Seek care if you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, swelling of the legs or feet, passing less urine, irregular heartbeat, confusion, or shortness of breath.

Alternatives

• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin/clavulanate
• Azithromycin