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Overview: Vaginal clindamycin is used to treat an infection called bacterial vaginosis. Common side effects include vaginal yeast infections, as well as itching, burning, dryness, redness, pain, or discomfort in the vaginal area. Do not rely on condoms for protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases while using this medicine. This medicine can weaken some types of condoms and cause them to break even for several days after you stop using this medicine. 

Uses

What is vaginal clindamycin used for?

Vaginal clindamycin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for an infection called bacterial vaginosis that is caused by certain bacteria.

Vaginal clindamycin may not be the right medicine for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may be resistant to vaginal clindamycin, which will make it less effective.

Vaginal clindamycin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does vaginal clindamycin work (mechanism of action)?

Vaginal clindamycin works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying.

How is vaginal clindamycin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cleocin
  • Clindesse
  • Xaciato

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2% vaginal cream
  • 2% vaginal gel
  • 100 mg vaginal ovules (vaginal suppositories)

See also: Clindamycin and Clindamycin topical

How should I store vaginal clindamycin?

Vaginal clindamycin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of vaginal clindamycin?

The most common side effects of vaginal clindamycin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the vaginal clindamycin product used. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of vaginal clindamycin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of vaginal clindamycin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of vaginal clindamycin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vaginal clindamycin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using vaginal clindamycin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including vaginal clindamycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use vaginal clindamycin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use vaginal clindamycin.

  • Cleocin
  • Clindamycin
  • Clindesse
  • Lincomycin
  • Xaciato
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific vaginal clindamycin products they stock.

Gut Conditions. Do not use vaginal clindamycin if you have a history of any of the following conditions that affect your gut.

What should I know about vaginal clindamycin before using it?

Do not use vaginal clindamycin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Vaginal clindamycin is for vaginal use only and should not be taken by mouth or used on the eyes or skin. Accidentally getting vaginal clindamycin in your eyes can cause burning and irritation. If this happens, rinse the eyes with cool water and call your health care provider.

Do not share vaginal clindamycin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep vaginal clindamycin out of the reach of children.

There are many forms of vaginal clindamycin available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have. Make sure you understand how to use it. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Some vaginal clindamycin products can weaken certain types of condoms or diaphragms. This effect can last for several days after stopping this medicine. If a condom or diaphragm weakens or breaks, the risk of an unintended pregnancy gets higher. Also, condoms that are weak or broken may not protect you from a sexually transmitted disease.

Do not have sex or use other vaginal products, such as douches or tampons, during treatment with vaginal clindamycin. Ask your health care provider when you can have sex or use other vaginal products. The timing may depend on the vaginal clindamycin product used.

What should I tell my health care provider before using vaginal clindamycin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if vaginal clindamycin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vaginal clindamycin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using vaginal clindamycin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how vaginal clindamycin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use vaginal clindamycin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if vaginal clindamycin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use vaginal clindamycin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does vaginal clindamycin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between vaginal clindamycin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect vaginal clindamycin, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does vaginal clindamycin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Vaginal clindamycin may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much vaginal clindamycin?

If you or someone else has used too much vaginal clindamycin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of vaginal clindamycin?

Single-Dose Products. Some vaginal clindamycin products are for single use. If you forget to use this medicine as planned, use it as soon as you remember.

Multi-Dose Products. Some vaginal clindamycin products are used for several days. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. If you miss a dose and are not sure what to do, call your health care provider.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of vaginal clindamycin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to vaginal clindamycin or other similar medicines.