Clindagel (Clindamycin Phosphate)

Do’s

• Use only on skin: Clindagel is for external use only, not for eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin.
• Cleanse first: Wash and dry the affected area before applying Clindagel.
• Follow directions: Apply as directed by your healthcare provider or the product label (usually 1-2 times daily).
• Shake the lotion: If using the lotion, shake the bottle well before use.
• Use applicators as directed: Apply a thin layer with pads, swabs, or foam following specific instructions (e.g., don't spray foam directly on your hands).
• Wash hands after use: Maintain hygiene by washing your hands after applying Clindagel.
• Be patient: Improvement can take 2-6 weeks, with full benefits seen up to 12 weeks.
• Inform your healthcare provider: Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Don'ts

• Avoid contact with these areas. Rinse thoroughly with cool water if accidental contact occurs.
• Don't skip cleaning: Always cleanse the area before application.
• Don't ignore instructions: Follow your healthcare provider's or label's directions for dosage and frequency.
• Don't manhandle the lotion: Don't forget to shake the lotion before use.
• Don't misuse applicators: Use pads, swabs, and foam as instructed (don't touch foam with your hands).
• Don't forget handwashing: Wash your hands after applying Clindagel to prevent the spreading of bacteria.
• Don't expect instant results: Be patient, as it takes time to see full benefits.
• Don't stay silent about worsening conditions: If your condition doesn't improve, talk to your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Skin irritation, including redness, itching, dryness, or peeling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain
• Heartburn
• Pain when swallowing
• White patches in the mouth
• Abdominal disturbances

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe redness, itching, or dryness of treated skin areas
• Severe stomach pain
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody, even if it occurs months after your last dose
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
• Severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile, which may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped
• Less commonly, clindamycin therapy has been associated with severe colitis, which may end fatally

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Clindagel,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have any allergies to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any other medications before using Clindagel.

Medical Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider about pre-existing conditions, especially:

• Chronic asthma or hay fever (atopic conditions)
• Intestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, enteritis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea)

Before any surgery, disclose all medications you use (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products) to your healthcare provider.

Discuss pregnancy with your healthcare provider before using Clindagel. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as the safety for breastfeeding infants is unknown.