Clindamycin Gel 1%

What is Clindamycin Gel 1% used for​​​?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic which works by preventing bacterial growth and multiplication. It is applied on the skin to treat acne.

Dosage and How to Use​

• Wash and dry your hands before and after using the medicine.
• Clean and dry the area that you will be applying clindamycin on. Apply a thin layer of the medicine.
• Topical clindamycin is usually applied 1 to 2 times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Avoid your eyes, nose, mouth and lips when you apply clindamycin on your skin. Wash with water if the medicine gets into any of these areas. Avoid applying onto broken or irritated skin as it can worsen the skin condition.
• It may take up to 3 months to see the effects of this medicine for acne. Do not stop using it even if you do not see results immediately.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you forgot to apply a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose if it is time for the next dose. Apply your next dose at the usual time. Do not apply two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of the medicines?

• Diarrhoea. Drink plenty of water with oral rehydration salts to replenish your fluids and electrolytes.
• Nausea, vomiting, metallic or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Take clindamycin with or after food.
• Heartburn, pain/burning sensation at the back of throat, stomach discomfort. Take clindamycin with a full glass of water. Take small but frequent meals, avoid spicy foods.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, stop taking clindamycin and seek medical advice immediately:

• Develop a fever or experience persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• Very watery or loose stools
• Blood or pus in your stools

Very rarely, clindamycin may injure the liver. Stop this medication and seek medical advice immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:

• Dark-coloured or tea-coloured urine
• Light coloured stools
• Severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Risks and benefits regarding the use of clindamycin should be discussed with your doctor.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Handling and storage

• ​Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
• Throw away all expired medicines.

The above information answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

References

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/106/Clindamycin