Clindamycin is a prescription medicine. It is typically used for the treatment of Bacterial Infections, Skin Infections. Clindamycin also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.
The right dosage of Clindamycin depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. Besides the medical condition it is advised for, the route of administration also plays an important role in determining the correct drug dosage. For detailed information on this, read through the dosage section.
Some other side effects of Clindamycin have been listed ahead. Normally, these side effects of Clindamycin are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or stay for a longer duration.
It is also important to note that Clindamycin has a Severe effect for pregnant women and Moderate effect on lactating mothers. Further, the section on Clindamycin related warnings talks about Clindamycin's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.
The section on Clindamycin contraindications lists all such conditions.
Drug interactions for Clindamycin have been reported in the medical literature. See below for a complete list.
In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Clindamycin is safe while driving, and is is addictive in nature.
Clindamycin is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Clindamycin is used -
Moderate
Mild
Is the use of Clindamycin safe for pregnant women?
Clindamycin shows severe side effect on pregnant women. For this reason, pregnant women should only take it after taking medical advice.
Is the use of Clindamycin safe during breastfeeding?
Clindamycin may lead to some side effects in breastfeeding women. If you witness any unusal symptoms after taking Clindamycin, discontinue its use and call your doctor right away. Follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of Clindamycin.
What is the effect of Clindamycin on the Kidneys?
Clindamycin rarely affects the kidneys.
What is the effect of Clindamycin on the Liver?
Clindamycin has very mild side effects on the liver.
What is the effect of Clindamycin on the Heart?
Clindamycin is completely safe for the heart.
Clindamycin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Clindamycin unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Clindamycin habit forming or addictive?
Clindamycin is not addictive in nature.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
Clindamycin will not make you feel sleepy or drowsy. So you drive or operate machinery safely.
Is it safe?
Yes, but consume Clindamycin only on doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Clindamycin is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Clindamycin
It is safe to take Clindamycin with food.
Interaction between Alcohol and Clindamycin
Due to lack of research, nothing can be said about side effects of consuming alcohol while taking Clindamycin.
Yes, in a few cases oral Clindamycin may cause abdominal pain. It is a known side effect of this drug. However, the exact cause of abdominal pain is unknown. If you are experiencing abdominal pain after taking this drug then you are advised to take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol.
Discontinuing Clindamycin on your own can increase the chances of bacterial resistance and infection relapse. It is recommended that you always consult your doctor if you have decided to discontinue this medicine.
Yes, Clindamycin covers anaerobes. It is effective against some of the anaerobic bacteria such as Prevotella melaninogenica, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Clostridium perfringens.
Yes, Clindamycin is safe to use, if it is used in prescribed amount and duration as advised by the doctor. However, certain side effects have been associated with this drug such as metallic taste, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience above-mentioned side effects after taking this medicine then inform your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
No, Clindamycin does not cause a headache. It has not been reported by the patient's who are taking this drug. However, if you are experiencing a headache after taking this drug, take a mild painkiller, applying balms and complete rest even after this if the pain does not subside then discuss with your doctor immediately.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; CLeocin HCl® clindamycin hydrochloride
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 756-757
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 328-330