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warnings
WARNINGS Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis, which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by Clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents, such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine, may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.
ADVERSE REACTIONS In the one well-controlled clinical study comparing clindamycin phosphate and its vehicle, the incidence of skin and appendages adverse events occurring in ≥1% of the patients in either group is presented below: Number (%) of Patients Body System/Adverse Event Clindamycin Phosphate QD N=168 Vehicle Gel QD N=84 Skin and appendages disorders Dermatitis 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) Dermatitis contact 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) Dermatitis fungal 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) Folliculitis 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) Photosensitivity reaction 0 (0.0) 1 (1.2) Pruritus 1 (0.6) 1 (1.2) Rash erythematous 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) Skin dry 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) Peeling 1 (0.6) 0 (0.0) Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis, which may end fatally. Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of clindamycin and rarely with topical clindamycin (see WARNINGS ). Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as gram-negative folliculitis, have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lifsa Drugs LLC at 1866-378-4799 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.