338 clindamycin, clotrimazole
warning!
clindamycin
(Cleocin, Dalasin)
Clindamycin is an antibiotic of the
lincosamide family that is used to treat
infections of the vagina, pelvis, and skin.
Important: Using this medicine with
erythromycin or chloramphenicol can
make both medicines less effective. If
you have your monthly bleeding while
using the cream, do not use a tampon
because it will absorb the medicine.
Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea can happen within a few weeks
of using this medicine. If clindamycin
gives you a skin rash, stop using it and
see your health worker.
Often comes in: Capsules of 25, 75,
150, and 300 mg; cream 2%
How to use:
For bacterial vaginosis, take 300 mg by
mouth 2 times a day for 7 days. Or, put
5 g of cream high in the vagina each
night at bedtime for 7 nights.
For trichomonas, take 300 mg by
mouth 2 times a day for 7 days.
For drug combinations to treat
vaginal discharge or PID, see page 162.
Other medicines that may work:
For bacterial vaginosis: metronidazole
WARNING: Using for more than
30 days can lead to thrush and
yeast infections, and can harm
people with kidney or liver problems.
The vaginal cream can weaken condoms
for up to 3 days after use. If you are
breastfeeding and this medicine gives your
baby diarrhea, stop using it.
clotrimazole
(Canesten, Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex)
Clotrimazole is an anti-fungal medicine
used to treat yeast and other fungus
infections in the vagina, mouth, and skin.
Important: Avoid having sex for 3
days after using clotrimazole for vaginal
infections. It can weaken condoms and
diaphragms. Be sure to keep it out of
your eyes, and stop using clotrimazole if
it irritates you.
Side effects: Irritation, stomach upset
(with lozenges).
Often comes in: Cream at 1%, 2%,
10%; inserts of 100 mg, 200 mg, and
500 mg; lozenges of 10 mg
How to use:
For yeast infections of the vagina:
100 mg inserts or 1% cream: Put
1 insert or 5 g of cream high in the
vagina every night for 7 nights.
200 mg inserts or 2% cream: Put
1 insert or 5 g of cream high in the
vagina every night for 3 nights.
For yeast infections of the mouth
(thrush): Take 1 lozenge 5 times a day
for 14 days. Suck on the lozenge, do not
chew or swallow it whole.
For skin infections: Lightly rub cream
onto the infected area 2 times a day for
2 to 8 weeks.
Other medicines that may work:
Gentian violet, nystatin, miconzaole
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007