Clindamycin - Vaginal

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina in adults.

Use Clindamycin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a pessary and vaginal cream.

It is best to use it at bedtime. Try to use this medicine at the same time each day.

Clindamycin pessary and cream are to be inserted into the vagina. Do not use it in any other way.

If you have been given the cream, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Open the tube by puncturing the metal seal with the pointed tip of the cap.
3. Disposable applicators are provided to help you apply the cream into the vagina. Screw the end of the applicator securely onto the tube.
4. Slowly squeeze the tube such that the medication fills the applicator completely.
5. The applicator plunger will stop moving once the applicator is full. Do not overfill by pushing it past this point.
6. Unscrew the applicator.
7. Lie on your back with both knees bent and legs apart.
8. Hold the applicator at the middle portion.
9. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina. Insert only as far as it will comfortably go.
10. Slowly press the applicator plunger until it stops. This will deposit the medication into the vagina.
11. Gently withdraw the applicator.

If you have been given the pessary, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Remove the wrapper from the medicine (and the applicator, if available).
3. If an applicator is supplied, fix the pessary into the hole at the end of the applicator.
4. Lie on your back with both knees bent and legs apart.
5. Gently insert the pessary into the vagina, either using your fingers or the applicator. Insert only as far as it will comfortably go.
6. If you are using an applicator, press the plunger to release the medicine then gently remove the applicator.
7. Wash your hands again after inserting the medicine.

Avoid any direct contact of Clindamycin cream with your eyes or mouth. Rinse immediately with water if this medicine accidentally gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection.

You must complete the entire course of medicine. If you don’t, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Clindamycin if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any other similar antibiotics such as lincomycin.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of inflammation of the bowel
• inflammation of the colon or large intestines
• history of severe diarrhoea associated with the use of an antibiotic

as Clindamycin may not be suitable for you.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You may discuss alternative birth control methods with your doctor as Clindamycin may damage the latex, rubber, or certain “barrier” method contraceptives (e.g. condoms, diaphragm).

You should avoid the use of vaginal products (e.g. tampons, douches) and do not engage in sexual contact until your doctor certifies that you are cleared from the infection.

Clindamycin may cause any of the following side effects: vaginal irritation, pain, swelling, itching or burning sensation.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea accompanied by stomach pain or fever
• rashes, breathlessness, swollen face, eyes, tongue or throat

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• erythromycin (antibiotic)
• medicines to relax muscles during surgery e.g. atracurium, pancuronium, tubocurarine
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, acenocoumarol, fluindione

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clindamycin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not allow to freeze.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.