This medication is used to treat acne. It helps to decrease the number of acne lesions. Clindamycin is an antibiotic which works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This medication is for use on the skin only. Clean and dry the affected area first. Apply this medication to the affected area as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Some gel products should only be used once daily. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the lotion, shake the bottle well before using.

Wash your hands after each use.

Avoid getting this medication into your eyes, nose, mouth, or on any areas of broken skin. If this medication gets in those areas, rinse well with plenty of cool water.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

It may take 2 to 6 weeks for your condition to get better, and up to 12 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Burning, itching, dryness, redness, oily skin or skin peeling at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and very rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop:

• diarrhea that doesn't stop
• abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
• blood/mucus in your stool

If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• allergic conditions (such as asthma, hay fever, eczema)
• intestinal diseases (such as ulcerative colitis, enteritis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.