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Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic taken by mouth for certain bacterial infections. It is reserved for serious infections where a less toxic antimicrobial is unsuitable, including some skin, soft tissue and dental infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It comes as a hard capsule in 150 mg and 300 mg strengths.

Medicine containing Clindamycin

Clindamycin

Severe Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

150 · 300mg

Clindamycin tablets contain clindamycin for severe skin and soft tissue infections and dental abscess. They come in several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$2.04/ tabletView

Key points

  • Clindamycin binds the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking protein synthesis so bacteria cannot multiply.
  • Its listed uses are severe skin and soft tissue infections and dental abscess.
  • Effects begin within about 1 to 2 hours and last around 6 to 8 hours.

What clindamycin is used for

It treats serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, and serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci. Use is reserved for people allergic to penicillin, or for whom a penicillin is not appropriate. Named uses include severe skin and soft tissue infections and dental abscess, and it can form part of treatment for a bacterial infection.

How it works

Binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit inhibits protein synthesis and suppresses bacterial proliferation. The body metabolises clindamycin mainly through cytochrome P450 3A4, with a smaller contribution from CYP3A5, forming clindamycin sulfoxide and N-desmethylclindamycin. After an oral dose, average elimination half-life is about 4.0 hours in older people against 3.2 hours in younger adults.

Forms available

The Clindamycin product is supplied in 150 mg and 300 mg strengths as a hard capsule, and sits within the antibiotics category. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Clindamycin should not be used by anyone with hypersensitivity to it or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis. It is not intended for nonbacterial infections such as most upper respiratory tract infections. Persistent diarrhoea must be reported immediately, and a course should be completed as directed. Diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain are common effects; rash and raised liver enzymes are moderate ones; pseudomembranous colitis and anaphylaxis are serious and need immediate medical attention. Neuromuscular blocking agents are a noted interaction. Pregnancy use is with caution, and breastfeeding suitability should be confirmed with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.

What the sources say

  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea can appear more than two months after antibacterial treatment, which is why a careful medical history is needed (DailyMed).
  • C. difficile produces toxins A and B; hypertoxin-producing strains cause greater morbidity and mortality, can resist antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy (DailyMed).
  • Where such diarrhoea is suspected or confirmed, antibacterial treatment not aimed at C. difficile may need to stop, alongside fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, targeted treatment and surgical evaluation as clinically indicated (DailyMed).

Further reading

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