Dalacin C® suspension
This product is manufactured by Pfizer Canada Inc. using the ingredient clindamycin.
This product is taken orally.
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orally
Why is it prescribed?
Clindamycin is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of the respiratory tract infections.
Use exactly as prescribed.
Remember to shake the suspension before each dose.
Dalacin® suspension should be stored at room temperature. If it is stored in the refrigerator, it becomes thick and difficult to pour.
It is unacceptable to dilute the medication in large volumes of liquid that will not be consumed immediately (e.g. baby's bottle). If you are having difficulty giving a child the medication, ask your pharmacist for suggestions.
The suspension expires after 14 days. To measure the prescribed dose, it is important that you have an appropriate measuring device. If you do not already have one, ask your pharmacist to help you select one.
Take/give Dalacin® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 6 hours translates to 4 times a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 10 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Dalacin® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea, bloody stools, stomach pains or cramps occur during or after treatment contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat the diarrhea without permission from your doctor.
Alternatives
Other products that have the same ingredient as Dalacin C® suspension are •Auro-Clindamycin capsules •Dalacin C® capsules •Jamp-Clindamycin capsules •M-Clindamycin capsules •Sanis-Clindamycin capsules •Teva-Clindamycin capsules •
See other products used in the treatment of •pneumonia •respiratory tract infections •
The dosage depends largely on the type and severity of the infection being treated. In the treatment of respiratory tract infections, doses for adults range from 150 to 450 mg every 6 hours.
Dosing for children depends on their weight, type of infection and severity of infection. Doses can range from 8 mg to 25 mg per kg body weight per day divided into three or four equal doses.
Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis, resulting in bacterial cell death. The effectiveness of clindamycin depends on factors such as dose, concentration in the blood and other body fluids and tissues, and the susceptibility of the bacteria. Clindamycin does not kill all types of bacteria, but only those that have a sensitivity to this antibiotic. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to clindamycin will not show improvement after taking this medication.
Along with its needed effects, clindamycin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, clindamycin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:
Common:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- rash
Uncommon:
- vomiting
- mouth sores
- sore throat
- bloody stools
- pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of bacteria that are not killed by the antibiotic)
Allergic reactions can occur with clindamycin use. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the clindamycin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking clindamycin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
- BCG vaccine
- erythromycin
- mycophenolate
- primaquine
- sodium picosulfate
- typhoid vaccine
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- allergy to clindamycin or lincomycin
- infants younger than 30 days
Caution is recommended in the following situations:
- diarrhea
- colitis or other digestive tract diseases
- liver disease
Use in pregnancy: Considered compatible with pregnancy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Clindamycin does appear in breast-milk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.