Brand Names

How to Use

Before applying this drug, thoroughly wash the effected areas with warm water and soap, rinse well and pat dry.

When applying the drug, use enough to cover the effected area lightly. You must apply the drug to the whole area usually effected by acne, not just to the pimples themselves . This will help keep new pimples from breaking out.

You must avoid washing the acne-effected areas too often. This may dry your skin and make your acne worse. Washing with a mild, bland soap 2 or 3 times a day must be enough, unless you have oily skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your family doctor.

Topical clindamycin will not cure your acne. However, to help keep your acne under control, keep using this drug for the full time of treat , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. You may have to continue using this drug every day for months or even longer in some cases. If you stop using this drug too soon, your symptoms may return It is important that you do not miss any doses .

For diseaseds using the topical solution form of clindamycin:

• After washing or shaving, it is best to wait 30 minutes before applying this drug. The alcohol in it may irritate freshly washed or shaved skin.
• This drug contains alcohol and is flammable Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking .
• To apply this drug:
  • This drug comes in a bottle with an applicator tip, which may be using to apply the drug directly to the skin. Use the applicator with a dabbing motion instead of a rolling motion - not like a roll-on deodorant, for example. Tilt the bottle and press the tip firmly against your skin. If needed, you can make the drug flow faster from the applicator tip by slightly increasing the pressure against the skin. If the drug flows too fast, use less pressure. If the applicator tip becomes dry, turn the bottle upside down and press the tip few times to moisten it.
  • Since this drug contains alcohol, it will sting or burn. In addition, it has an unpleasant taste if it gets on the mouth or lips. Therefore, do not get this drug in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or on other mucous membranes . Spread the drug away from these areas when applying. If this drug does get in the eyes, wash them out immediately, but carefully, with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your family doctor.
• It is important that you do not use this drug more often than your family doctor ordered. It may cause your skin to become too dry or irritated.

For diseaseds using the topical suspension form of clindamycin:

• Shake well before applying.

Dosage

The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses and the length of time you use the drug depend on the medical problem for which you are using clindamycin .

• For topical dosage forms - gel, solution, and suspension:
  • For acne:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and over Apply two times a day to areas effected by acne.
    • Infants and children up to 12 years of age Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the drug from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.