Clindamyk (Clindamycin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Clindamyk Used For?
Clindamyk is an antibiotic that contains clindamycin hydrochloride. It’s designed to fight bacterial infections throughout your body by either killing bacteria or stopping their growth.
Primary Uses
Clindamyk treats infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It’s particularly recommended for patients who are allergic to penicillin or for whom penicillin is not suitable.
How It Works
Clindamyk works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria causing your infection. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
Good to know: Clindamycin is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Clindamyk
Your doctor will determine the right amount of Clindamyk for you based on your condition and other medications you may be taking. It’s important to follow their instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose for adults is one capsule (150mg) every six hours. For more serious infections, your doctor may increase the number of capsules. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. Space doses evenly throughout the day and take them at about the same time each day. It doesn’t matter if you take it before, with, or after food. Do not take Clindamyk immediately before lying down – wait at least half an hour. Continue taking until you finish the entire course or until your doctor recommends stopping.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of experiencing side effects.
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:
- Oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
- Vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge)
- Stomach cramping
- Stomach discomfort
- Inflammation of the food pipe
- Loss or distorted sense of taste
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Joint pain and swelling
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Watery and severe diarrhea which may be bloody
- Fever with severe diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Allergic reaction symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling)
- 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 the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Important Warnings
Before taking Clindamyk, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history and current medications to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Clindamyk
Do not use Clindamyk if you are allergic to clindamycin hydrochloride, lincomycin, lactose, or any other ingredients listed. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives. Do not take after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or take medicines for any other condition. During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects, so it’s important to understand these risks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Clindamycin crosses the placenta and should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, as Clindamycin capsules are not recommended during breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interact with Clindamyk and affect how well it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Erythromycin (used to treat bacterial infections)
- Rifampicin (used to treat bacterial infections)
- Medicines used for muscle relaxation in anesthesia
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness and inform your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Clindamyk.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Clindamyk.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Clindamyk affects you. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to know if Clindamyk affects your driving.
Storage
Keep Clindamyk in its original packaging until it’s time to take it. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, on windowsills, or in the car, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Clindamyk, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor. The medication should start working to fight the bacterial infection, but complete the full course as prescribed.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Clindamyk before, with, or after food. Just make sure to swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.
No, Clindamycin is not addictive. It’s an antibiotic that fights bacterial infections and does not cause dependency.
Do not stop taking Clindamyk capsules just because you’re feeling better. If you don’t complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all bacteria causing your infection may not be killed, and the infection may not clear completely or may return.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Clindamyk. Your doctor can advise you on whether it’s safe based on your specific situation.
If you get severe diarrhea, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse immediately, even if it occurs several weeks after stopping Clindamyk. This may indicate a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical care. Do not take any medicine for diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
No, do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Each person’s treatment needs to be individually prescribed by a doctor.
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.