What is Clindamycin?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing. It belongs to the lincosamide family and works by disrupting bacterial protein synthesis. It is used to treat various bacterial infections and is available in different forms, including oral capsules, injections, and topical applications.
Clindamycin Uses
- Treats severe infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.
- Effective against serious infections from streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci.
- Used for bacterial vaginosis and acne treatment.
- Helps treat anthrax and malaria in combination with other medications.
- Used for ear infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and toxoplasmosis when other treatments are ineffective.
- Prevents endocarditis in at-risk individuals post-dental procedures.
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Get A Second OpinionHow to Use Clindamycin
- Follow the doctor's prescription and instructions on the label.
- Take oral clindamycin with a full glass of water to prevent throat irritation.
- Measure liquid medicine accurately with the provided syringe or a dose-measuring device.
- Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent drug-resistant infections.
- Clindamycin does not treat viral infections like the flu or colds.
Dosage
The dosage depends on the patient's age, the condition being treated, its severity, and any other medications being taken.
Usual Adult Dose:
- Severe infections: 150 to 300 mg every 6 hours.
- More severe infections: 300 to 450 mg every 6 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose:
- Severe infections: 8 to 16 mg/kg/day divided into 3-4 equal doses.
- More severe infections: 16 to 20 mg/kg/day divided into 3-4 equal doses.
Missed Dose
- Take the missed dose as soon as remembered.
- If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Overdosing
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Temporary paralysis
- Low blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
Common Clindamycin Side Effects
- Nausea
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Joint pains
- Pain when swallowing
- Heartburn
- White spots in the mouth
- Thick, white vaginal discharge
- Abdominal pain
- Esophageal irritation
- Allergic skin reactions
- Vaginal inflammation
- Impaired liver and kidney function
- Arthritis
Serious Clindamycin Side Effects
- Blistering skin
- Eruptions and itchiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Reduced urination
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Book an AppointmentPrecautions
- Inform your doctor of any allergies, existing medical conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not use clindamycin if allergic to it or similar antibiotics.
Interactions
- Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Storage
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Do not refrigerate oral liquid; discard any unused oral liquid after 2 weeks.
- Protect injectable medication from high heat.
Other Information
- If symptoms or side effects worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
- Do not share medication with others.
- Consult your pharmacist for disposal methods of unused or expired medication.
- For any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
