Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic called a lincosamide. It interferes with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to multiply and divide. This inhibits the ability of the bacteria to grow and therefore stops the spread of the infection.
Clindamycin has a similar range of antibacterial activity to the penicillins and is useful as an alternative antibiotic in those people who are allergic to penicillins or for infections caused by bacteria called staphylococci that have become resistant to penicillin. In addition it is active against anaerobes.
However, it is not a widely used antibiotic because the risk of developing antibiotic-associated colitis is greater with clindamycin compared to other antibiotics. This usually results in severe diarrhoea and clindamycin should be stoppped immediately if this occurs.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- preventing infection of the heart during medical or dental procedures in people with heart valve defects or artificial heart valves;
- bone and joint infections;
- abdominal infections;
Clindamycin phosphate is an antibiotic used to treat acne.
Although applied only to the skin, some of Clindamycin phosphate could be absorbed into the bloodstream; and it has been known to cause severe--sometimes even fatal--colitis when taken internally. Symptoms, which can occur a few days, weeks, or months after beginning treatment with Clindamycin phosphate, include severe diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, and the possibility of the passage of blood.
Use Clindamycin phosphate exactly as prescribed. Excessive use of Clindamycin phosphate can cause your skin to become too dry or irritated.
- skin dryness;
- reddened skin;
- peeling skin;
- itching;
- yellowing of the skin and eyes;
- rash;
- pain and inflammation of the blood vessel at the site of injection;
- nausea and vomiting;
- inflammation of the large intestine;
- disturbance in the components of the blood;
- diarrhoea;
- abdominal pain;
- burning;
ADULTS
Apply a thin film of gel, solution, or lotion to the affected area 2 times a day, or use a solution pledget. Discard a pledget after you have used it once; you may use more than 1 pledget for a treatment. Do not remove the pledget from its foil container until you are ready to use it.
If you are using the lotion, shake it well immediately before using.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Clindamycin phosphate have not been established in children under 12 years of age.
