CLINDAMYCIN dose is 600 to 900 mg every 6 hours or 900 Why should you not forget to take this mg every 8 hours. drug?

 Other NAMES: Dalacin*C For the treatment of toxoplasmosis, the If you miss doses of clindamycin, your initial clindamycin dose is 600 mg every 6 infection may continue or worsen. In such a WHY is this drug prescribed? hours for 6 weeks. The dose can then be situation, you may need to take other drugs. decreased to 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours Therefore, it is extremely important that you Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used to or 450 mg every 8 hours. take clindamycin for the entire duration of treat different types of infections. the treatment. Your doctor will determine the appropriate It can be given in combination with dose for you. What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug primaquine to treat Pneumocystis carinii cause? What should you do about pneumonia (PCP). This combination is Your dosage is: them? usually used for people who have experienced adverse effects to sulfa drugs 150 mg capsule Clindamycin is generally well tolerated. such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 300 mg capsule Occasionally this drug may cause some   (TMP/SMX, Bactrim , Septra ) or adverse effects such as abdominal pain, dapsone. This combination is a safe and ___capsules(___mg)___times a day nausea, and vomiting . effective alternative.

or Clindamycin can rarely cause a skin rash Clindamycin can also be given in and diarrhea . The diarrhea can potentially combination with pyrimethamine 75 mg / 5 mL oral solution be serious. Contact your doctor (Daraprim ) to treat toxoplasmosis (a rare intravenous solution immediately if you develop a skin rash or if and severe brain infection). you experience significant abdominal

___mL (____mg)____times a day cramps and detect blood or mucus in the Clindamycin can be used to treat certain stools. skin or blood infections, and may also given Clindamycin capsules and oral solution may before dental, oral and upper respiratory be taken with or without food. Taking it with Blood tests will be done to verify your liver tract surgery used to prevent infection. food may minimize upset stomach. enzymes and white blood cells (cells in your

blood needed to help prevent bacterial HOW should this drug be taken? Clindamycin capsules should be taken with infections). Rarely, these values can be a full glass of water. temporarily abnormal while you are Clindamycin is available as 150 mg and 300 receiving clindamycin. mg capsules and as an oral solution (75 mg What should you do if you FORGET a / 5 mL). It can also be given intravenously dose? It is important that you keep your doctor (I.V: by the veins). appointments and come for your

If you miss a dose of clindamycin, take it as laboratory tests so that your progress For the treatment of PCP, the usual dose of soon as possible. However, if it is time for clindamycin, when given by mouth, is 300 to can be followed. your next dose, do not double the dose, just 450 mg every 6 hours for 21 days. When carry on with your regular schedule. What other PRECAUTIONS should you given intravenously, the recommended follow while using this drug? If you have any questions or concerns Before starting clindamycin, please inform about this drug or if you are your doctor if you are allergic to this drug or experiencing adverse effects, please if you have had any blood disorders, liver or discuss them with your pharmacist, kidney problems in the past. doctor or nurse.

The safety of clindamycin has not been Write questions or concerns down to established during pregnancy or ensure they are addressed. CLINDAMYCIN breastfeeding. Please discuss this with your doctor if this is a concern. In general, The following pharmacist is available to breastfeeding is NOT recommended if you answer questions: have HIV as you can transmit the virus to your baby through your breast milk. Pharmacist: ______

Clindamycin may interfere with other drugs Telephone: ______you are taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all prescribed and non- prescribed drugs you are taking. As well, MEDICATION you should inform them of natural products you are taking. If you wish to start a new drug or natural product, please consult with FACT SHEET your pharmacist before doing so.

How should this drug be STORED?

Clindamycin capsules and oral solution should be stored in a cool (15 to 30 °C) dry place, protected from light and well out of the reach of children. Clindamycin oral solution is good for 14 days once it is prepared.

Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of the package. Reference: Product Monograph Dalacin  C (clindamycin). Pfizer Canada Inc., Kirkland, QC, Canada, 2008. Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen, as 2003. Reviewed 2009. heat and moisture may cause the drug to be less active. Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.hivclinic.ca