What is Cleocin T Gel (Clindamycin) prescribed for?

Acne is very common, and nearly everyone has had a pimple outbreak at least once in their life. It begins when the skin’s oil glands plug the pores. Larger openings that become clogged become blackheads, while smaller openings, when clogged, become pimples. At times the skin can become inflamed, tender, and sometimes infected.

And while acne remains at large a curse among the adolescence, it is know about 20% of acne occurs within adults as well.

This medication is used to treat acne, which is the main reason behind pimples. Cleocin will help decrease the number of lesions.  Clindamycin, the active ingredient within Cleocin T Gel, is antibiotic which works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This medication comes in the singular dose, which is 1%. Remember your dose is based on your medical background and your overall response to the treatment. If your doctor or pharmacist has given you some information in the form of a pamphlet, take the time to read up on this drug, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, please consult your doctor.

Use this medication on the skin only.  Follow all of the instructions given to you by your doctor.

Wash and dry your hands before applying the gel to the skin. Clean and dry the affected are, then apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area, then gently rub it into the skin. This is usually done 2 times a day unless prescribed otherwise by your doctor.

After applying the medicine, make sure to wash your hands. Avoid getting the gel in the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you accidently do, flush the area out with water.

It may take between 2 to 6 weeks before you see any of the results, and up to 12 weeks before you gain the full benefit from this medication.

Before taking this medication, advise your doctor if you are allergic to Clindamycin, or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies.

Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated.

Speak with your doctor of your medical history before taking this medication, especially if you have had any of the following; chronic asthma or hay fever (atopic conditions), intestinal diseases (such as ulcerative colitis, enteritis, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea).

Burning, itching, dryness, redness, oily skin or skin peeling may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin. These effects should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

A small amount of this medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving treatment or even weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.

What is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic first made in 1966 from lincomycin and can be found on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. It is the active ingredient that makes up the brand-name medication Cleocin T Gel. When in the form of Cleocin T Gel, Clindamycin is used as its salt form, known as Clindamycin Phosphate; however, many just refer to it as Clindamycin to avoid confusion. Cleocin T Gel is a topical medication, applied to the skin only, and contains 1% Clindamycin. It can be purchased here at My Drug Center by those with a valid prescription.

What is Clindamycin gel used for?

Clindamycin gel, also known as Cleocin T Gel, is used mainly for the treatment of acne but is also prescribed to treat acne rosacea.  Clindamycin is an antibiotic, which are drugs effective against bacteria; acne is commonly a result of bacteria. Human skin has pores connected to oil glands located under the skin by follicles, which are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid. Sebum, an oily liquid produced by the glands, carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin through the follicles. Small hairs then grow through the follicle and out of the skin. Acne occurs when these follicles get blocked and oil gets trapped under the skin, creating a buildup. From there, skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together, forming a plug. This plug then gets infected with bacteria and subsequent swelling (inflammation). Rosacea has a similar appearance to acne; small, red, pus-filled bumps. These may flare up for weeks to months along with redness and visible blood vessels on the face, usually the cheeks and nose.

What does Clindamycin Phosphate do?

Depending on a few factors, the medication can either stop the growth of the bacteria or completely kill it. Clindamycin does this by inhibiting the bacterial protein synthesis which prevents them from producing the protein needed for cell growth. This subsequently prevents further growth of the bacteria and in some cases, kills it. This helps decrease the number of acne lesions on the face and may help with redness and swelling.

How long does it take for Clindamycin to work?

Clindamycin may take a different amount of time for each patient due to many personal factors, such as the severity of your condition. Clindamycin will begin to work right away but it may take some time before improvement is seen. It could take 2-6 weeks (14- 46 days or; 0.5-1.5 months) before you notice an improvement and may take up to 12 weeks (84 days or; 2.8 months) for the full clinical benefit. If after a few weeks you do not feel there has been any improvement, you may want to speak with your doctor.

How to use Clindamycin Phosphate gel?

Apply only a thin layer of gel to the affected area, twice daily; ensure you wash your hands after application. However, if your doctor has directed you to apply the gel differently, follow only your doctor’s directions. Do not use more or less gel than recommended or for longer or shorter than prescribed. Speak with your doctor before starting treatment if you feel unsure about how to use the medication.