Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections in areas of the body like upper and lower respiratory tract, skin, mucus membranes, intestines, urinary tract, teeth, bones, joints, and even in the blood.

This medication is available in form of tablets, injectables, cream or vaginal cream, and can therefore be used in various ways. It can be taken orally, injected, applied topically or inserted vaginally. The route that is prescribed will depend on the area of the body that is affected, and in severity of the infection.

Clindamycin can be obtained at a pharmacy with a prescription, and should be taken as instructed by your doctor.

What it's used for

Clindamycin can be used to treat various bacterial infections, such as:

Respiratory infections (upper or lower respiratory tract): tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, lung abscess, bacterial pneumonia;
Skin and soft tissue infections: cellulitis, acne, boils, skin abscess and infected wounds;
Abdominal infections: peritonitis;
Dental infections: dental abscess and gingivitis;
Urinary tract infections: endometritis, salpingitis, cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease;
Bone or joint infection: osteomyelitis or septic arthritis.

It can also be prescribed to treat septicemia, encephalitis or pneumocystis in patients with AIDS.

How to take

The way to use clindamycin depends on the condition to be treated and the presentation of the medication, which includes:

1. Oral tablets

The dose of oral clindamycin will depend on the infection being treated. It can be prescribed for severe infections in adults in doses of 600 to 1800 mg, divided into 2 to 4 doses taken throughout the day. Clindamycin pills should be taken with a full glass of water and can be ingested with a meal without its absorption in the body being impacted.

The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, and should be established by the doctor.

2. Injectable

Clindamycin can also be administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV). This form of clindamycin is administered by a trained health care professional in a hospital or clinical setting.

For abdominal infections, pelvic infections, or other serious infections, the usual daily dose of clindamycin phosphate is 2400 to 2700 mg, administered in 2, 3 or 4 doses. For more moderate infections caused by organisms that are sensitive to this bacteria, a total dose of 1200 to 1800 mg given in 3 or 4 doses may be sufficient.

In children, the recommended dose is a total of 20 to 40 mg of clindamycin per kilogram per day, given in 3 or 4 doses.

3. Topical ointment

To use clindamycin ointment, a thin layer should be applied to dry and clean skin, twice a day.

Clindamycin ointment can be prescribed to adults and children over 12 years of age, and treatment varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the skin infection.

4. Vaginal cream

The recommended dose of clindamycin vaginal cream in adult women is one applicator full of cream (which is equivalent to approximately 5 g, and contains approximately 100 mg of clindamycin phosphate), inserted intravaginally for 3 to 7 consecutive days. It should ideally be applied at bedtime.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of clindamycin use include pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function test levels, and skin rashes. Blood vessel inflammation can also occur with IV clindamycin, while vaginitis is also possible from using the vaginal cream.

Contraindications for use

Clindamycin should not be used by people who are allergic to the active substance in this medication, or to any of the components present in its formula. It should also not be used to treat meningitis, nor should it be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.