Evoclin (clindamycin) is an antibiotic foam. Clindamycin prevents bacteria from growing on the skin.
Evoclin foam is used to treat severe acne in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Evoclin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Evoclin if you have ulcerative colitis or enteritis (inflammation of your intestines), or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.
It may take up several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using Evoclin as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when clindamycin is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Evoclin if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin, or if you have:
FDA pregnancy category B. Evoclin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether clindamycin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not use Evoclin foam on a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I use Evoclin?
Use Evoclin Foam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Evoclin is usually applied once per day. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
Wash your face with a mild soap or cleanser and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Do not dispense Evoclin foam directly onto your hands or face, as the foam will begin to melt on contact with warm skin. Dispense Evoclin foam into the clear cap or onto a cool surface. Pick up small amounts of foam with your fingertips and gently rub the foam into the affected area until the foam disappears.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Evoclin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the Evoclin foam canister away from an open flame or high heat. Do not puncture the canister or throw an empty canister into a fire.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms include bloody or watery diarrhea, which may result if you absorb this medicine through your skin by applying too much.
What should I avoid while taking Evoclin?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Evoclin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use Evoclin on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.
Do not smoke while using Evoclin foam, or immediately after applying it. The contents of the foam canister are flammable.
Evoclin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Evoclin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when clindamycin is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Stop using Evoclin and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
severe redness, itching, or dryness of treated skin areas; or
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Common Evoclin side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Evoclin?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied clindamycin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
