Clindamycin Viatris (Clindamycin Phosphate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Clindamycin Viatris Used For?
Clindamycin Viatris is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections in different parts of your body. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria causing your infection.
Primary Uses
Treats infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It’s recommended for patients who are allergic to penicillin or when your doctor determines penicillin is not appropriate for you.
How It Works
Clindamycin works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria causing your infection. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
Good to know: Clindamycin Viatris is not addictive.
How to Take Clindamycin Viatris
Clindamycin Viatris is given by injection in a hospital setting by a healthcare professional. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
Your dose and how it should be given will be determined by your doctor based on your condition, the infection being treated, and how severe it is. For children, the doctor will calculate the dose based on their age, body weight, and infection severity. Usually given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into the vein by drip). It’s important to complete the full course prescribed by your doctor so all bacteria causing your infection are killed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given in a hospital by healthcare professionals, missed doses are unlikely. Your healthcare team will ensure you receive your medication as prescribed.
Important: Complete the full course prescribed by your doctor. If not completed, bacteria may continue to grow and your infection may not clear completely or may return.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- stomach pain, cramps or discomfort
- nausea and/or vomiting
- diarrhea
- skin rash or irritation
- vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge)
- low blood pressure (dizziness or light-headedness)
- joint pain and swelling
- pain, swelling, redness at injection site
- loss or distorted sense of taste
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- sudden signs of allergy (rash, hives, swelling, breathing problems)
- moderate or severe skin rash or blisters with flu-like symptoms
- enlarged lymph glands and/or fever
- diarrhea with blood and mucus, stomach pain and fever
- yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in vein
- swelling in legs/ankles/feet, decreased urine output, irregular heartbeat, confusion, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue and nausea
- chest pain, shortness of breath and/or fainting
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Clindamycin Viatris. Make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and medications.
Who Should Not Take Clindamycin Viatris
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any ingredients in the medication. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; severe diarrhea associated with antibiotic use; severe liver disease; kidney disease; bowel disease; any gastrointestinal problems; or if you take any other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. If you become pregnant while receiving this medication, tell your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Clindamycin Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
- erythromycin (antibiotic)
- rifampicin (antibiotic)
- medicines used for muscle relaxation in anesthesia
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Clindamycin Viatris.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Clindamycin Viatris affects you.
Storage
Clindamycin Viatris will be stored in a hospital ward or pharmacy, protected from light, in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. The medication is used only once and then discarded – it’s never stored after opening or used for more than one person.
Overdose Information
Since Clindamycin Viatris is given in a hospital under close medical supervision, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience severe side effects, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. If not in hospital, go to the nearest Emergency Department or contact the Poisons Information Centre (Call 13 11 26). Overdose symptoms are similar to regular side effects but more severe in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your infection symptoms don’t improve within a few days or become worse, tell your doctor. The medication works by killing bacteria, but improvement time varies depending on the type and severity of infection.
No, Clindamycin Viatris is not addictive.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after treatment has stopped. Don’t take any medicines for diarrhea without checking with your doctor first, as this may indicate a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical care.
No, Clindamycin Viatris will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu. It only works against bacterial infections.
Tell your doctor immediately if you get a severe skin rash, even if it occurs after treatment has stopped. A severe skin rash may mean you’re having an allergic reaction and you may need urgent medical care.
Clindamycin Viatris is given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into a vein by drip) by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting to ensure proper administration and monitoring.
Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you received Clindamycin Viatris. Also inform them if you’re about to start any new medicines.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.