What is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating
serious infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such as
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis,
and Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with
their ability to make proteins. The FDA approved clindamycin for vaginal use in
August 1972.
What brand names are available for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
Cleocin, Clindesse
Is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
Yes
What are the side effects of clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
The most common side effects of clindamycin cream are:
- vaginal moniliasis,
- vulvovaginitis,
- vulvovaginal disorder,
- trichomonal vaginitis,
- moniliasis, and
- itching.
What is the dosage for clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
The recommended dose is one full applicator of clindamycin phosphate
vaginal cream 2% intravaginally, preferably at bedtime, for 3 or 7 days in
non-pregnant women and for 7 days in pregnant women.
Which drugs or supplements interact with clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
Clindamycin give orally may act as a neuromuscular
blocker. This means that it can increase the action of neuromuscular blocking
drugs (for example, pancuronium and vecuronium). However, very little
clindamycin is absorbed into the blood stream when given vaginally so the
likelihood of drug interactions is less.
QUESTION
The vagina includes the labia, clitoris, and uterus.
See Answer
Is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
The frequency of congenital abnormalities was not increased when
pregnant women used clindamycin during the second and third trimesters, and
clindamycin vaginal cream is approved for use during the second and third
trimesters of pregnancy. Clindamycin should not be used during the first
trimester of pregnancy unless it is clearly needed because it has not been
properly evaluated during the first trimester.
Oral clindamycin is excreted in
breast milk and should not
be used by nursing mothers, or nursing should be stopped. It is not known
whether clindamycin given vaginally is excreted in breast milk.
What else should I know about clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream?
What preparations of clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream are available?
Cream: 2%
STORAGE: Clindamycin should be stored at room temperature 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).