IMPORTANT NOTE The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TITLE CLINDAMYCIN - TOPICAL

HOW TO PRONOUNCE (klin-duh-MY sin)

COMMON BRAND NAMES Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm

USES This medication is an antibiotic used to treat acne.

HOW TO TAKE This medication must be used as directed. Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin. If this occurs, rinse well with running water. Don't use more often than prescribed.

SIDE EFFECTS This medication may cause dry, scaly or peeling skin, irritation or oiliness of the skin. This medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream and may very rarely cause severe (in some cases, fatal) intestinal problems (pseudomembranous colitis). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood/mucous in your stool. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of this drug. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication. Notify your doctor of: skin rash, itching, redness or other irritation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS Although unlikely, clindamycin has been reported to be absorbed through the skin in certain individuals. Therefore, before using this drug, tell your doctor if you have had: colitis or any gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, kidney disease, allergic reaction to clindamycin. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.

DRUG INTERACTIONS Before you use this drug, tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking, including nonprescription drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

MISSED DOSE If you should miss a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as remembered. If you do not remember until it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

STORAGE Store at room temperature away from sunlight.