Clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours), or as directed by your doctor. Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.

Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or mild diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: erythromycin, kaolin-pectin, live bacterial vaccines. Clindamycin may increase the effects of certain drugs used during surgery (neuromuscular blockers such as pancuronium, tubocurarine). Tell your doctor if you are going to be having any surgeries while using this medication.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. With prolonged use, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney and liver function tests, blood counts) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Clindamycin is used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic which works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu).

Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom

Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin, tartrazine yellow dye or aspirin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, other intestinal diseases (e.g., enteritis, ulcerative colitis), chronic asthma or hay fever (atopic conditions).