What Is It?: Clindamycin is an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, pelvis, vagina, and abdomen. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How to Use: Clindamycin comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth; topical solution, lotion, and gel for skin infections; and vaginal cream. Clindamycin usually is taken every 6 hours for respiratory, pelvis, or abdomen infections or applied twice a day for acne. Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Drink a full glass of water after each dose (capsules and oral liquid).

For acne, it may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect of the drug to be seen. Shake the topical lotion well before each use. Apply this liquid, the solution, or the gel in a thin film after washing and drying the skin thoroughly. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes and mouth or on broken skin; if you do, use plenty of water to wash the drug away.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects: Although side effects from .  are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach , vomiting, gas, diarrhea. Tell your doctor if any these symptoms are severe or do not go away while using Clindamycin vaginally or on your skin: dry skin , redness or irritation, peeling, oiliness, itching or burning. If you experience the following symptom, or any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop taking Clindamycin and call your doctor immediately: skin rash

Note: If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

WARNING: May cause colitis, an infection of the colon that can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Clindamycin or within a few weeks of stopping Clindamycin, call your doctor immediately: severe persistent diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, or bloody stool. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking.