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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clindamycin (Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric)?

Do not use this medication if you are:

• allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin); or
• if you are also taking erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, and others).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a clindamycin dose adjustment or special tests:

• colitis, Crohn's disease, or other intestinal disorder;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• a history of asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Clindamycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take clindamycin (Cleocin HCl, Cleocin Pediatric)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water to keep it from irritating your throat.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared. Clindamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clindamycin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not store clindamycin liquid in the refrigerator.

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