What is the most important information I should know about Cleocin?

If you are injecting Cleocin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

Rare cases of severe, and sometimes fatal, diarrhea (called pseudomembranous colitis) have occurred with the use of antibiotics, including Cleocin. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during or within several weeks following treatment with Cleocin.

Take all of the Cleocin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What is Cleocin?

Cleocin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Cleocin is used to treat bacterial infections. Because of its side effects, Cleocin is usually only used to treat serious infections.

Cleocin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Cleocin?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

liver disease;

kidney disease; or

stomach or intestinal disease.

You may not be able to take Cleocin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether Cleocin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Cleocin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Cleocin?

Take Cleocin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each capsule with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation.

Take Cleocin with food to lessen stomach upset.

Shake the liquid form of Cleocin before measuring a dose. To ensure you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon, to measure a dose of the liquid.

If you are injecting Cleocin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

Do not use any Cleocin that is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from your previous doses. Throw away any unused Cleocin after the amount of time determined by your pharmacist or doctor.

It is important to take Cleocin regularly to get the most benefit.

Take all of the Cleocin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Store oral Cleocin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dispose of used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container out of the reach of children.

Your healthcare provider will store injectable Cleocin as directed by the manufacturer or give you detailed storage instructions if you are storing the medication at home.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you don't remember until it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Cleocin overdose are not well known, but abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be expected.

What should I avoid while taking Cleocin?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with Cleocin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Cleocin?

Rare cases of severe, and sometimes fatal, diarrhea (called pseudomembranous colitis) have occurred with the use of antibiotics, including Cleocin. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea during or within several weeks following treatment with Cleocin.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Cleocin and seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of the throat; or hives);

a rash;

diarrhea;

yellowing of the skin or eyes;

abdominal pain; or

little or no urine.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Cleocin and talk to your doctor if you experience

nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

heartburn; or

an unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Cleocin?

Before taking Cleocin, tell your doctor if you are taking erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S., PCE, Eryc, others). These medicines may not work as well if they are taken together.

Medicines containing kaolin and pectin (e.g., Kao-Spen, K-C, Kaodene, Kapectolin), which are used to treat diarrhea, may decrease the effects of Cleocin. Do not take kaolin and pectin during treatment with Cleocin.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Cleocin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.