Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dalacin C.
Antibiotic-related diarrhea: As with other antibiotics, clindamycin can cause a severe form of diarrhea associated with a condition known as pseudomembranous colitis. If you develop severe diarrhea while taking (or within a few weeks of taking) Dalacin C, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as clindamycin may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better early in your course of treatment with clindamycin, you need to take the full course exactly as directed to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take clindamycin or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Liver disease: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Dalacin C to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Dalacin C may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dalacin C, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Gastrointestinal problems: Severe diarrhea associated with this antibiotic may be mistaken for symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal conditions. If you have colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn's Disease, discuss with your doctor how Dalacin C may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dalacin C, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safety of Dalacin C for use during pregnancy has not been established. Dalacin C should not be used unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dalacin C, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Dalacin C passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking clindamycin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience antibiotic-related diarrhea associated with clindamycin.