Clindamycin treats serious bacterial infections including skin, bone, and intra-abdominal infections. It works by blocking bacterial protein synthesis. This antibiotic is particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria and group A streptococci.
Clindamycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide chain elongation. This bacteriostatic action inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the immune system to eliminate the infection more effectively.
Common applications include acne vulgaris, dental infections, and MRSA skin infections. It's also used for bacterial vaginosis, toxoplasmosis, and as surgical prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic patients.
Clindamycin comes as capsules, injections, topical solutions, and vaginal creams. Oral doses typically range from 150-450mg every 6-8 hours, adjusted for infection severity.
Common side effects include diarrhea and nausea. The most serious risk is C. difficile-associated colitis, requiring immediate discontinuation if watery diarrhea develops.
Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Monitor for superinfections and pseudomembranous colitis. Not recommended for meningitis due to poor CNS penetration.
Clindamycin may enhance neuromuscular blocking agents' effects. Concurrent erythromycin use is discouraged due to antagonistic mechanisms. Always review full medication lists.
Oral forms can be taken with food to reduce irritation. IV administration requires slow infusion. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.
Resistance occurs via ribosomal modification or efflux pumps. Susceptibility testing is recommended for serious infections due to increasing resistance rates.
Dose adjustment needed in severe hepatic impairment. Pregnancy category B - use when clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk but generally considered compatible.
Store capsules at room temperature. Refrigerate reconstituted oral liquid and use within 2 weeks. Protect all forms from excessive heat and moisture.
Clindamycin demonstrates excellent bone penetration, making it valuable for osteomyelitis. It also concentrates well in abscesses due to phagocyte delivery.
Clindamycin excels against anaerobic infections (like dental abscesses), MRSA skin infections, and streptococcal toxic shock. It's also first-line for bacterial vaginosis and alternative for malaria.
It disrupts normal gut flora, allowing C. difficile overgrowth in 2-20% of users. Watery diarrhea with fever or abdominal pain requires immediate medical evaluation for pseudomembranous colitis.
Yes, both oral and topical forms effectively treat inflammatory acne. Topical clindamycin is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce resistance development.
Improvement often occurs within 48 hours for skin infections. Complete the full 7-14 day course to prevent recurrence and resistance, even if symptoms resolve sooner.
No evidence suggests it reduces contraceptive effectiveness. However, severe diarrhea/vomiting may impact absorption of oral contraceptives - use backup methods if these occur.
Category B - animal studies show no risk but human data limited. Often prescribed for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks. Consult your OB-GYN.
Amoxicillin covers more gram-negative bacteria but lacks anaerobic and MRSA coverage. Clindamycin is preferred for penicillin-allergic patients and certain anaerobic infections.
Moderate alcohol unlikely to cause reactions but may increase nausea. Heavy drinking could impair immunity and liver function, potentially reducing treatment effectiveness.
For patients with joint replacements or heart conditions at infection risk, it's an alternative to amoxicillin for preventing bacterial endocarditis in penicillin-allergic individuals.
Refrigerate reconstituted oral solution (2-8°C) and discard after 14 days. Shake well before use. Store capsules and unopened products at room temperature.