Clindamycin is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, and internal organs. Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria.

Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat acne and is used along with other medications to treat anthrax and malaria. Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat ear infections, tonsillitis, toxoplasmosis (an infection that may cause serious problems in people who do not have healthy immune systems or in unborn babies whose mothers are infected) when these conditions cannot be treated with other medications. Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat bacterial infection caused from too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. It is sometimes used to prevent endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) in certain people who are at risk of developing this infection as a result of a dental procedure.

Clindamycin comes in a number of different forms (capsules, creams, gels, solutions, injection, and more). Clindamycin capsule is usually taken three to four times a day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have and how well you respond to the medication. Take clindamycin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Take clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Take the capsules with a full glass of water so that the medication will not irritate your throat.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Using this antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections. If you have or have ever had asthma, allergies, eczema (sensitive skin that often becomes itchy) or kidney or liver disease your doctor needs to know before you start this medication. Clindamycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe:

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth

- Joint pain

- Heartburn

- White patches in the mouth

- Thick, white vaginal discharge

- Burning, itching, and swelling of the vagina

Some serious side effects

- The yellow appearance of the skin, nails, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

- Signs of low blood pressure, ranging from dizziness to fainting

- Pain or difficulties when swallowing

- Vein irritation (if you are receiving injections of clindamycin)

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

How this medication affects your body?

The use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

Is clindamycin the same as penicillin?

Cleocin (clindamycin) does not fall under penicillin-type antibiotics and should not pose any cross-sensitivity reactions if you are allergic to penicillin. It is always good to notify your doctor of any allergic reactions you have had to any medications.

Is Clindamycin used by Veterinarians for Dogs and Cats?

Veterinarians may prescribe clindamycin to treat dogs or cats when they are caused by dangerous bacterial Skin infections/Deep wounds/ Abscesses/ Tooth infections/ Osteomyelitis (a serious bone infection).