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Clindesse

Generic: clindamycin phosphate

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
45802-042
RxCUI
309337
Route
VAGINAL
ICD-10 indication
N76.0

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About Clindesse

What is this medication?

Clindesse is a prescription vaginal cream that contains clindamycin phosphate, which belongs to a class of medications known as lincosamide antibiotics. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in women who are not pregnant. This condition occurs when there is an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of certain harmful organisms that cause symptoms like irritation, odor, or unusual discharge.

The medication works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, specifically by interfering with their ability to produce essential proteins required for their survival. Unlike many other vaginal treatments that require several days of application, Clindesse is designed as a single-dose therapy provided in a pre-filled applicator. It is important for patients to use the medication exactly as directed by their healthcare provider and to be aware that the cream contains mineral oil, which can weaken latex or rubber products such as condoms and diaphragms for several days after use.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Clindesse. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Jan 30, 2025

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindesse is a lincosamide antibacterial indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis Clindesse is indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (formerly referred to as Haemophilus vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis, Corynebacterium vaginitis, or anaerobic vaginosis) in non-pregnant women.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose is the complete contents of a single pre-filled applicator containing 5 g of Clindesse cream administered once intravaginally at any time of the day. Not for ophthalmic, dermal, or oral use. • For intravaginal use only • A single applicator of cream administered once intravaginally at any time of the day ( 2 ) • Not for ophthalmic, dermal, or oral use
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • History of hypersensitivity to clindamycin or other lincosamides ( 4.1 ) • History of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or a history of Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea ( 4.2 , 5.1 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Clindesse is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin or other lincosamides. Reported reactions to other formulations of clindamycin include rashes, urticaria, erythema multiforme, and anaphylactoid reactions [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . 4.2 History of Bowel Disease Clindesse is contraindicated in patients with regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or a history of Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea.
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea: Discontinue and evaluate if diarrhea occurs ( 5.1 ) • Use with Condoms and Vaginal Contraceptive Diaphragms: The use of barrier contraceptives (condoms or vaginal contraceptive diaphragms) is not recommended concurrently or for 5 days following treatment. Condoms may not be reliable for preventing pregnancy or for protecting against transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases during this time period ( 5.2 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . 5.2 Use with Condoms and Vaginal Contraceptive Diaphragms This cream contains mineral oil that may weaken latex or rubber products such as condoms or vaginal contraceptive diaphragms. Therefore, the use of such barrier contraceptives is not recommended concurrently or for 5 days following treatment with Clindesse. During this time period, condoms may not be reliable for preventing pregnancy or for protecting against transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )] .
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for Clindesse. Neuromuscular blocking agents: Enhanced action of neuromuscular blocking agents can occur; use with caution ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Neuromuscular Blocking Agents Orally or intravenously administered clindamycin has neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents.
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients and at a higher rate in the Clindesse group than in the placebo group are vaginosis fungal (14%), headache (7%), back pain (5%), constipation (2%), and urinary tract infection (2%) ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Padagis ® at 1-866-634-9120 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Study Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to Clindesse in 368 patients. Clindesse was studied in three clinical studies: placebo-controlled (n=85), active-controlled (n=263), and single-arm (n=20). The population was female, aged 18 to 78, who were diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. Patient demographics in the trials were 51% Caucasian, 36% Black, 10% Hispanic, and 3% Asian, other or unknown. All patients received 100 mg clindamycin phosphate cream intravaginally in a single dose. Of the 368 women treated with a single dose of Clindesse, 1.6% of the patients discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions occurred in 126 of 368 patients (34%) treated with Clindesse and in 32 of 85 patients (38%) treated with placebo. Adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients receiving Clindesse in the placebo-controlled clinical trial are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Clindesse-Treated Patients and at a Higher Rate than Placebo-Treated Patients Adverse Reactions Clindesse N=85 n (%) Placebo N=85 n (%) Vaginosis fungal NOS* 12 (14) 7 (8) Headache NOS 6 (7) 2 (2) Back Pain 4 (5) 1 (1) Constipation 2 (2) 0 (0) Urinary tract infection NOS 2 (2) 0 (0) N = number of patients in intent-to-treat population n (%) = number and percentage of patients with reported adverse reaction NOS = not otherwise specified *The use of clindamycin may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible fungal organisms in the vagina and may require antifungal treatment Other reactions reported by <1% of those women treated with Clindesse include: Dermatologic: Pruritic rash Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting General: Fatigue Immune System: Hypersensitivity Nervous System: Dizziness Reproductive System: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmennorrhea, intermenstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, vaginal burning, vaginal irritation, vulvar erythema, vulvitis, vulvovaginal discomfort, vulvovaginal dryness, vulvovaginitis 6.2 Other Clindamycin Formulations Clindesse affords minimal peak serum levels and systemic exposure (AUCs) of clindamycin compared to an oral or intravenous dose of clindamycin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Data from well-controlled trials directly comparing clindamycin administered orally to clindamycin administered vaginally are not available. The following additional adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported with the oral or parenteral use of clindamycin: Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, esophagitis, nausea, Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hematopoietic: Transient neutropenia (leukopenia), eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, and thrombocytopenia have been reported. No direct etiologic relationship to concurrent clindamycin therapy could be made in any of these reports. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Maculopapular rash, vesiculobullous rash, and urticaria have been observed during drug therapy. Generalized mild to moderate morbilliform-like skin rashes are the most frequently reported of all adverse reactions. Cases of erythema multiforme, some resembling Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been associated with clindamycin. A few cases of anaphylactoid reactions have been reported. Liver: Jaundice and abnormalities in liver function tests have been observed during clindamycin therapy. Musculoskeletal: Cases of polyarthritis have been reported. Renal: Although no direct relationship of clindamycin to renal damage has been established, renal dysfunction as evidenced by azotemia, oliguria, and/or proteinuria has been observed in rare instances. Immune System: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) cases have been reported. 6.3 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Clindesse. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Dermatologic: Rash Gastrointestinal: Hematochezia Reproductive System: Vaginal erythema, vulvovaginal pruritis, vaginal discharge, vaginal swelling, vaginal bleeding, vaginal pain
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Clindesse has not been studied in pregnant women. The systemic exposure (based on AUC and C max ) of Clindesse administered intravaginally is substantially lower than clindamycin administered intravenously [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] ; therefore, maternal use is not likely to result in significant fetal exposure to the drug. Available data from published observational studies and randomized controlled trials over decades of use with other clindamycin products during pregnancy have not identified an increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental outcomes were observed in pregnant rats and mice administered oral doses of clindamycin at up to 600 mg/kg/day (58 and 29 times, respectively, the recommended human dose based on a body surface area comparison) ( see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and mice using oral doses of clindamycin up to 600 mg/kg/day (58 and 29 times, respectively, the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to clindamycin.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Clindesse appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

0%

12 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 100% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

0%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)1
100%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 0% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 1 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.