Cleocin (Vaginal Suppositories)

Generic name: Clindamycin Vaginal Suppositories [ klin-da-MYE-sin ]
Brand name: Cleocin
Drug class: Vaginal anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 5, 2024.

Uses of Cleocin:

• It is used to treat vaginal infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Cleocin?

• If you have an allergy to lincomycin, clindamycin, or any other part of Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories).
• If you are allergic to Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories); any part of Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had any of these health problems: Severe diarrhea called antibiotic-associated colitis, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.
• If you are using any products that have erythromycin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Cleocin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not have sex while using Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories). You may need to avoid sex for some time after the last dose. Talk with your doctor to see if you need to avoid sex after the last dose.
• Condoms or diaphragms may not work to prevent pregnancy or stop the spread of diseases passed through sex while using Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) and for a period of time after you stop Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories). You will need to use some other kind of birth control for some time after the last dose. Be sure you know how long to do this.
• Do not douche or use other vaginal products like tampons while you are using Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories). You may need to avoid these things for some time after the last dose. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• A severe form of diarrhea called C diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has happened with most antibiotics. Sometimes, this can be deadly. This may happen while using the antibiotic or within a few months after you stop using it. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools. Do not try to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Cleocin) best taken?

Use Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Use vaginally.
• Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Use at bedtime.
• To use suppository, take off foil wrapper.
• Do not use if the pouch that holds Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) is torn, open, or not sealed all the way.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad irritation where Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) is used.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

Related/similar drugs

metronidazole, clindamycin, Cleocin, tinidazole

What are some other side effects of Cleocin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories) is used.
• Back pain.
• Constipation.
• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Cleocin?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Protect from heat.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Cleocin (clindamycin vaginal suppositories), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer