clindamycin vaginal cream (Cleocin, Clindesse)

Clindamycinis an antibiotic used for treating serious infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such asStaphylococcus aureus,Streptococcuspneumoniae, andStaphylococcusepidermidis, andPropionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. The FDA approved clindamycin for vaginal use in August 1972.

What brand names are available for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?

Cleocin, Clindesse

Is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?

Yes

The most common side effects of clindamycin cream are:

• vaginalmoniliasis,
• vulvovaginitis,
• vulvovaginal disorder,
• trichomonalvaginitis,
• moniliasis, and
• itching.

The recommended dose is one full applicator of clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2% intravaginally, preferably at bedtime, for 3 or 7 days in non-pregnantwomen and for 7 days in pregnant women.

Clindamycin give orally may act as a neuromuscular blocker. This means that it can increase the action of neuromuscular blockingdrugs(for example, pancuronium and vecuronium). However, very little clindamycin is absorbed into the blood stream when given vaginally so the likelihood ofdrug interactionsis less.

The frequency of congenital abnormalities was not increased when pregnant women used clindamycin during the second and thirdtrimesters, and clindamycin vaginal cream is approved for use during the second and third trimesters ofpregnancy. Clindamycin should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy unless it is clearly needed because it has not been properly evaluated during thefirst trimester.

Oral clindamycin is excreted inbreast milkand should not be used bynursingmothers, or nursing should be stopped. It is not known whether clindamycin given vaginally is excreted in breast milk.

What preparations of clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream are available?

Cream: 2%

STORAGE: Clindamycin should be stored at room temperature 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).