Health Library

Clindamycin (Into the vagina)

Clindamycin (klin-da-MYE-sin)

Treats vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Cleocin Vaginal, Cleocin Vaginal Ovules, Clindesse, Xaciato

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Gel/Jelly, Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not get any of it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your skin. If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water. Call your doctor if eye burning or redness does not go away.
• Cream or Gel: This medicine comes with a disposable applicator or in a prefilled applicator. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.
• Suppositories: Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Gel:
  • Remove cap from the tube and puncture the seal on the tube using the pointed tip on the cap.
  • Do not use the tube if it has been opened before or if the seal is damaged or broken.
  • Hold the applicator by the grip, screw the tip of the applicator into the tube. Leave the plunger inside the applicator.
  • Squeeze the tube from the bottom to push the gel into the applicator. The gel will push the plunger up as it fills the applicator.
  • Remove the filled applicator from the tube.
  • Lie on your back with knees bent or in any comfortable position. Hold the filled applicator and slowly insert the tip into your vagina as far as it will go.
  • Slowly push the plunger until it stops to release all the gel.
• Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of stomach or bowel disease (including colitis, enteritis, or a C. diff infection).
• This medicine may cause vaginal yeast infections.
• Do not have sex or use vaginal products (including tampons or douches) during treatment and for 3 days after using the gel. Do not have sex or use vaginal products (including tampons or douches) during treatment and for at least 7 days after using the cream.
• The cream contains mineral oil that may weaken latex or rubber products. Do not use a condom or diaphragm during treatment and for 5 days after using this medicine.
• Do not use polyurethane condoms during treatment and for 7 days after using the gel.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• This medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful urination
• Increased vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
• Severe diarrhea, bloody or black, tarry stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024