What Consumers Did Not Like About Clindamycin
Bad smell: Some users had trouble with the smell of the drug. The medication of Clindamycin stings, leaving a bad smell.
A few have also mentioned that it also often either leaves the skin oily, like a sticky film over the face or causes dryness in the first month of its usage, causing skin irritation.
Not permanent:A few users mentioned that the fix affected by Clindamycin is not very permanent and might cause a re-growth of acne when medication is stopped.
They also noticed that it makes the acne situation worse before starting to heal it.
Not effective alone: According to some of the users of Clindamycin, it is most effective when done in combination with other products.
It is most widely combined with Benzoyl Peroxide. This combination is more effective than the use of either of these products by themselves.
Stops working abruptly: Some buyers believe that the result of using Clindamycin is often irregular.
It works effectively for some time and then stops working abruptly. It is believed that over a period of time the bacteria develop immunity against Clindamycin because of rigorous exposure to the product.
How To Use Clindamycin Phosphate Gel
Use this medication only on the skin. Clean and dry the affected area first. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor.
If you are using the lotion, shake the bottle well before using. Apply a thin layer of medication usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor.
If you are using the medicated pad or swab, apply to the the affected area gently with it, then discard. Depending on the size of the area to be treated, more than one pad or swab may be necessary.
If you are using the foam, apply it once daily to the affected areas. Use enough to cover the entire affected area. Do not spray the foam directly onto your hands or face, because the foam will begin to melt on contact with warm skin. Instead spray the amount needed directly into the cap or onto a cool surface such as a counter top. If the can seems warm or the foam seems runny, run the can under cold water. Please read the patient information leaflet available from your pharmacist for specific instructions on how to use the foam, and ask about any information that is unclear.
Wash your hands after use.
Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, mouth or any areas of broken skin. If you accidentally get medication in these areas, rinse well with plenty of cool water.
It may take between 2-6 weeks to notice an improvement in your condition, and up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clindamycin
What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that’s used to treat bacterial infections. It can also be used topically to treat acne.
Is clindamycin good for acne?
Clindamycin is considered a first choice acne treatment for people who have mild to moderate acne. Your healthcare provider may prescribe clindamycin by itself or may give you other medications as well for your acne.
Can you put clindamycin on your face?
Yes, you can apply clindamycin on your face.
Can I wear makeup with clindamycin ?
You may continue to wear makeup while you are using clindamycin for acne. Make sure you allow the medication to completely dry before putting on makeup. It’s also best to only use “water-based” makeup so it doesn’t clog your pores.
How long does it take for topical clindamycin to work?
Treatment with clindamycin may take up to 8 to 12 weeks before you notice any improvement. You should continue using this medication for as long as your healthcare provider tells you to. If you don’t see any improvement after this time, your provider may give you other medications to help with your acne.
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How To Use Clindamycin Skin Preparations
- Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer’s leaflet will give you more information about clindamycin, and it will also explain how to use the preparation you have been prescribed.
- Apply the preparation exactly as your doctor tells you to. Wash and gently dry your skin, and then apply a thin layer to the whole of the area where your spots occur. The label on the pack will tell you how many times a day to use the preparation. Some clindamycin skin preparations are used once each day, others are used twice a day. Wash your hands well after using it.
- Dalacin T® topical solution contains a small amount of alcohol which can cause stinging if it gets into grazes, or on to sensitive areas of skin. If you are using this brand of clindamycin, try to avoid getting it on areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth.
What Are The Adverse Effects Of Topical Clindamycin
There are several downsides to using clindamycin or other topical antibiotics!) for acne treatment. Prolonged use can make acne bacteria resistant to this antibiotic and, ultimately, make acne worse in the future. In fact, the risk of bacterial resistance from Clindamycin and other topical antibiotics has led to the American Academy of Dermatology recommending against using such topical antibiotics as a single solution for treating acne.
In addition to the risks of bacterial resistance and worsening of the acne condition long-term, clindamycin can be absorbed into the blood circulation and affect internal organs. Possible from using clindamycin include skin peeling, dryness, and irritation, while some also report diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps/pain, and other unpleasant symptoms (according to the FDA
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How Much Does Clindamycin Cost
As a prescription drug, the cost of clindamycin varies from person to person based on their insurance carrier. Without insurance, the cost of one bottle of clindamycin is about $125 . The cost will be significantly less for those with insurance, though it comes with the added cost of a dermatologist visit to obtain the necessary prescription .
Clindamycin Safety & Side Effects
Topical clindamycin for acne is a safe and effective medication for most people. However, just like other medications, it does have the potential to cause certain side effects.;
Most potential side effects of topical clindamycin are mild, but some can be irritating, persistent and uncomfortable. Potential side effects include:
- Oily skin
- A burning sensation
- Newly formed pimples and/or blemishes
If any of these symptoms are severe or persistent, make sure that you contact your healthcare provider.;
Although uncommon, clindamycin can cause more serious side effects. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience watery or bloody stools, diarrhea or stomach cramps after using clindamycin.
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Does Clindamycin Fade Dark Spots
Hyperpigmentation is the clinical term for dark spots that can form on the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, this condition does not respond to the treatment of clindamycin. The active properties of the product will not treat existing dark spots. However, the continued use of clindamycin can work to keep hyperpigmentation from happening in the first place.
D Other Topical/new Agents
Combination therapy: Benzoyl peroxide has the advantage to prevent and eliminate the development of P. acne resistance. Therefore it is being more preferred as combination therapy. Its efficacy and tolerability are enhanced when combined with topical erythromycin or clindamycin, confirmed on various trials. Benzoyl peroxide can be combined with tretinoin and found to be superior to monotherapy. Both the molecules should not be applied simultaneously as benzoyl peroxide may oxidize tretinoin. A combination of topical retinoid and topical antimicrobial is more effective in reducing both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions than either agent used alone. Topical clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide applied once daily and fixed clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025% in aqueous-based gel formulation used once daily are both found to be effective treatment for acne. Addition of zinc acetate to clindamycin and erythromycin gel showed equivalent efficacy but probably reduces the development of microbial resistance.
Salicylic acid: It has been used for many years in acne as a comedolytic agent, but is less potent than topical retinoid.
Azelaic acid: It is available as 1020% topical cream which has been shown to be effective in inflammatory and comedonal acne.
Lactic acid/Lactate lotion: It is found to be helpful in preventing and reduction of acne lesion counts.
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Will Acne Come Back After Stopping Clindamycin
After you stop taking antibiotics, your provider will likely recommend that you continue using a topical retinoid medication and benzoyl peroxide to keep your skin clear, even if you dont get anymore breakouts. If you stop using medications, its very likely your acne will come back.
Clindamycin May Interact With Other Medications
Clindamycin oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else youre taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Before Using Clindamycin Skin Preparations
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using clindamycin on your skin, it is important that your doctor knows:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you have any bowel problems which cause you to have diarrhoea.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or a skin preparation.
What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication
There may be an interaction between clindamycin topical solution and any of the following:
- aminoglycosides
- erythromycinneuromuscular blocking agents
- other topical medications
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter , and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 â 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Taro-Clindamycin
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Important: How To Use This Information
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
How Does Clindamycin For Acne Work
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that kills certain types of bacteria or stops them from growing.
Doctors may prescribe this to kill Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that can lead to pimples. While P. acnes bacteria naturally live on the skin, they can invade pores and cause inflammation that leads to acne.
According to a
- topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin
- topical retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin
Your doctor may recommend using benzoyl peroxide and a topical antibiotic, or a topical retinoid and a topical antibiotic. There are several options of combinations, and they depend upon what acne types you have.
Several studies exist to support these combinations or the use of topical clindamycin.
Topical 1 percent clindamycin was shown to reduce acne in people with moderate inflammatory acne after 8 weeks of twice daily treatment, according to a 2013 study .
Another 2019 study found that applying a combination of clindamycin and tretinoin for 12 weeks helped reduce the appearance of acne with minimal side effects.
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Warnings For Other Groups
For pregnant women: Studies of pregnant women in their second and third trimesters have not shown any negative effects.
During the first trimester, this drug should only be used if clearly needed. Studies of the drug in pregnant animals during the first trimester havent shown a risk to the fetus. However, animal studies dont always predict the way humans would respond. There havent been enough studies done in pregnant women during the first trimester to show if the drug poses a risk to a human pregnancy during that time.
Talk with your doctor if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
For women who are breastfeeding: Clindamycin passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. Your doctor may suggest that you switch to a different medication.
For seniors: If youre older than 65, you may not be able to tolerate the diarrhea this drug may cause. Your doctor may watch you more closely.
This dosage information is for clindamycin oral capsule. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
Clindamycin For Vaginal Infection
Clindamycin can be used to treat vaginal bacterial infections. Though on its own it is not effective at treating yeast infections, a 2015 study in BMV Infectious Diseases suggested that, combined with probiotics administered vaginally, it could be helpful. Women with bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections were given courses of oral clindamycin, vaginal metronidazole gel and vaginally administered probiotics. Their partners were also given a course in clindamycin. “The cure rate was 74.6 percent after 6 months, 65.1 percent after 12 months and 55.6 percent after 24 months,” according to the study.
In addition to the oral route, clindamycin can be prescribed as a cream that is applied inside the vagina or it can come as a suppository to be placed inside the vagina. If it is a cream, it should not be used on any other parts of the body. The National Institutes of Health stresses that patients must finish the prescription of clindamycin, even if symptoms cease. Otherwise, the infection may not be completely treated and may become unable to be treated with antibiotics.
As a vaginal suppository, clindamycin is usually taken once a day for three days. As a cream, it is usually applied once a day for three or seven days. Doses should be taken at the same time every day.
In addition to the regular side effects of clindamycin, those taking it for vaginal infection may experience thick, white vaginal discharge and vaginal burning, itching, swelling or pain.;
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Lifestyle Changes & Habits
Although lifestyle changes and good skin care habits arent a medication per se, they can make a big difference to the appearance of your skin and the severity of your acne.
In addition to using medication, your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes, dietary approaches or simple skin care habits that you can use to reduce your risk of developing acne breakouts.;
Its important to follow your healthcare providers instructions and implement every approach to treat acne, whether its the use of medication, lifestyle changes or both.
Does Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution Work Well On Acne
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Is Topical Clindamycin Safe To Use During Pregnancy Or While Breastfeeding
- The frequency of congenital abnormalities was not increased when pregnant women used clindamycin during the second and third trimesters. Clindamycin has not been properly evaluated during the first trimester of pregnancy. It should only be used during the first trimester of pregnancy if it is clearly needed.
- Oral clindamycin is excreted in breast milkand either should not be used bynursing mothers or nursing should be stopped. It is not known whether clindamycin given topically is excreted in breast milk.
Does Clindamycin Make Acne Worse Before It Gets Better
Clindamycin is an antibiotic, and it is used to treat acne. Although it has several other uses such as treating malaria. But it is more popular for treating acne; this is especially for inflammatory and infected acne breakouts. Clindamycin is quite popular because several types of research have supported its use for acne and it does not worsen acne breakouts.
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