Antibiotic Cleocin (clindamycin)
The generic name of this drug is clindamycin. It is an antibiotic drug used for the treatment of some serious infections caused by bacteria. The group this medication belongs to is called lincomycin or lincosamide antibiotics. It helps in preventing the growth of bacteria and stops spreading the infection. Cleocin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the year 1970.
There are many forms in which this medication is available. Some of them are:
- Capsules
- Gels
- Injection
- Creams
- Solutions
Composition of cleocin
Cleocin is a semisynthetic antibiotic that contains clindamycin hydrochloride in its capsules. The inactive ingredients present in these capsules are:
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- Corn starch
- Gelatin
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- Lactose
- Talc
- Magnesium stearate
- Titanium dioxide
Uses of cleocin
They are used for the treatment of a wide variety of infections caused by bacteria. Some of them are:
- Acne
- Vaginal infection resulting from bacteria
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Meningitis
- Bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
- Severe middle ear infection
- Severe sinus infection
This antibiotic only works in treating bacterial infections. They are not useful in treating viral infections (like flu and common cold). The misuse and unnecessary usage of this drug may reduce its efficiency.
Side-effects of cleocin
There are many side-effects associated with the use of cleocin which may require medical attention. Some of these side-effects are:
- Cracks appearing on the skin
- Swollen and red skin
- Scaly skin
- Reduced heat in the body
- Tarry and black stools
- Stomach or abdominal cramps, tenderness, or pain
- Bleeding gums
- Peeling, loosening, or blistering of the skin
- Blood in the stools or the urine
- Bloating
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Cloudy urine
- Confusion
- Hoarseness or cough
- Dark urine
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased amount of urine
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Faintness,
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Headache
- Heart stops
- Heartburn
- Increased thirst
- Skin rash,
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- Vomiting or nausea
- No breathing
- No blood pressure or pulse
- Pain while having sexual intercourse
- Side or lower back pain
- Difficult or painful urination
- Swelling on lips
- Irritated and red eyes
- Skin turning red
- Breathlessness
- Sore throat
- Ulcers,
- Thirst
- Swollen glands
Contraindications of cleocin
Under the following conditions the patient must be refrained from using this medication:
- Allergic reaction to lincosamides
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Kidney problems
- Liver disease
- Diarrhoea
- Ulcerated Colon
- Crohn’s Disease
- Clostridium Difficile Bacteria Related Colitis
Cleocin and pregnancy
Cleocin is listed by the FDA in the Pregnancy Category B. There has been no evidence of fetal harm during the use of this medicine. Nonetheless, the doctor should be informed if the patient is pregnant or plans on being pregnant.
- Download in PDF » Cleocin: Product Information
