Indications
- Gel and lotion: acne (pimples), usually mild to moderate.
- Vaginal cream: bacterial vaginosis (a common vaginal infection with a fishy-smelling discharge).
- Capsules, suspension and injection: serious bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues, bones and joints, teeth and gums, chest, abdomen and pelvis. It is often chosen for people who are allergic to Penicillin.
How It Works
Clindamycin is an antibiotic of the lincosamide group. It stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow. It works well against many skin bacteria and against bacteria that grow without oxygen.
Dosage and Administration
Acne gel or lotion (1%): wash and dry the skin, then apply a thin layer to the affected areas twice a day. Improvement usually takes several weeks.
Vaginal cream (2%): one applicatorful into the vagina at bedtime for 3 to 7 nights, as prescribed.
Capsules, adults: usually 150 mg to 300 mg every 6 hours; for severe infections up to 450 mg every 6 hours, as prescribed. Swallow with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright.
Children: suspension doses are based on body weight, as prescribed. Injection: given by a doctor or nurse in hospital.
Finish the full course even if you feel better.
Interactions
- Erythromycin: works against Clindamycin; they are not used together.
- Muscle relaxants used during surgery: their effect may be stronger.
- Warfarin: blood clotting tests may need checking.
- Vaginal cream: it can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms during use and for 3 days after.
- Acne products: using other drying products (such as Benzoyl Peroxide or Tretinoin) at the same time may increase irritation.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Clindamycin or Lincomycin
- Past bowel inflammation caused by antibiotics (antibiotic-associated colitis)
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease (also for skin and vaginal forms)
Side Effects
Capsules and injection: diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, a metallic taste and skin rash.
Gel and lotion: dry or peeling skin, redness, burning or itching. Vaginal cream: vaginal irritation or thrush.
Get medical help at once for severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea with stomach cramps, even weeks after stopping (this can be a serious bowel infection); a blistering or peeling rash; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or swelling of the face and trouble breathing. Do not take medicines to stop diarrhoea, such as Loperamide, without a doctor’s advice.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Capsules and injection may be used in pregnancy when clearly needed. Very little of the gel is absorbed, but ask your doctor before using it in pregnancy. The vaginal cream is used in pregnancy only on a doctor’s advice. Clindamycin taken by mouth passes into breast milk and may cause diarrhoea or thrush in the baby; watch the baby and tell the doctor. Do not apply the gel to the breast area while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use antibiotics only for bacterial infections, not for colds or flu.
- Keep the gel and lotion away from the eyes, mouth, inside the nose and broken skin.
- Long courses by mouth may need liver and kidney tests.
- Tell your doctor about any past bowel problems.
Overdose
Too many capsules may cause stomach upset. If a large amount of gel or lotion is swallowed, it can be absorbed. In either case, contact a doctor for advice.
Therapeutic Class
Antibiotic (lincosamide).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze the gel, lotion or cream. After mixing, keep the suspension as stated on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.