Clindamycin (Cleocin) prescription pickup for bacterial infections

Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including tonsillitis, skin infections, blood infections, female reproductive organ infections such as bacterial vaginosis, ear infections, heart infections such as endocarditis, and lung infections such as pneumonia. It belongs to the lincosamide family of antibiotics and works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins needed to reproduce.

Clindamycin is available under the brand name Cleocin. It comes in the form of a capsule and a solution to take by mouth, and can also be prescribed as a foam, jelly/gel, solution, and vaginal cream depending on your diagnosis.

Clindamycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including tonsilitis, skin infections, blood infections, female reproductive organ infections such as bacterial vaginosis, heart infections such as endocarditis, and lung infections such as pneumonia. Less commonly, it can also be used to treat malaria (a mosquito-borne illness) and anthrax exposure (an infection that can result from a bioterror attack).

It is important to only use antibiotics like clindamycin when prescribed, as taking antibiotics when they are not needed can increase your chance of creating an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Remember that antibiotics like clindamycin are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections such as the cold or flu.

Clindamycin belongs to a class of medications known as lincomycin antibiotics. Lincomycin antibiotics stop the growth of certain bacteria by interfering with protein synthesis, which prevents bacterial replication. Lincomycin antibiotics have also been shown to kill bacteria if there is a high enough concentration of the antibiotic in the blood.

Clindamycin has a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration, which alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous; the antibiotic comes with the risk of bacterial overgrowth in the intestine due to a certain bacterium called Clostridoides difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about how clindamycin works, as well as its risks and benefits.

The most common side effects of clindamycin include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth
  
• Joint pain
  
• Pain when swallowing
  
• Heartburn
  
• White patches in the mouth
  
• Thick, white vaginal discharge
  
• Burning, itching, and swelling of the vagina
  
  

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking clindamycin:

• Peeling or blistering skin
  
• Rash
  
• Hives
  
• Itching
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  
• Decreased urination
  
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects. Call your health care provider if symptoms are persistent or severe.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with clindamycin. Clindamycin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects or life-threatening allergic reactions. Drug interactions can occur with other antibiotics and antiretroviral medications, among others.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Clindamycin is available as a capsule and a solution to take by mouth. It is typically taken 3-4 times per day depending on your diagnosis. The exact dosage will vary depending on the age of the patient and their body weight. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your clindamycin dosage without consulting your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

To prevent bacterial resistance to antibiotics, you should continue taking the clindamycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Do not skip doses or stop taking the clindamycin, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Clindamycin is currently only available via prescription. This means a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you or order the medication to be delivered to your door for just $5. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not clindamycin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for clindamycin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.