Clindamycin

What is clindamycin?

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. It is used to treat infections due to susceptible bacteria.

• Skin and Soft fabric infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Pelvic infections
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Septicemia and endocarditis
• Dental infections
• Resistant to multiple drugs. Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) infection

Clindamycin can be used topically, orally, or intravenously. In New Zealand (July 2017), it is available by prescription. In other countries, it may also be available as current vaginal foam cream and oral suspension.

Clindamycin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, and absorption is not affected by food.

When do dermatologists use clindamycin?

Dermatologists prescribe clindamycin for a variety of skin conditions.

Indications for clindamycin solution, gel or lotion include:

• Acne
• Rosacea

Clindamycin is also available to treat acne in combination with benzoyl peroxide.

Clindamycin vaginal cream is used to treat bacterial vaginosis

Along with rifampicin, oral clindamycin uses include:

• Staphylococcal skin infections (cellulitis, impetigo, boils, and abscesses)

• Folliculitis decalvans
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Acne keloidalis nuchae.

Clindamycin is active against gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, streptococci and Cutibacterium) and gram-negative organisms (Bacteroides species). Susceptible organisms include both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria

What are the side effects of clindamycin?

Oral clindamycin is generally well tolerated. However, there are significant side effects that can affect some people taking the medication orally or by injection (they are rarely seen with topical preparations).

Gastrointestinal effects

Clindamycin has been associated with colitis (inflammation of the intestine); this is caused by a toxin produced from excessive growth of a bacterium, Clostridium difficile. Symptoms can range from mild watery diarrhea to severe, persistent diarrhea with fever, abdominal cramps and the passage of blood and bugger. It can be potentially dangerous. If significant diarrhea develops while taking clindamycin, the medication should be discontinued. A stool test can show the presence of the toxin. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Stopping the medication may be enough; however, more severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid and antibiotic therapy.

Allergic rashes

Drug induced urticariararely erythema multiform and anaphylactoid Reactions have been reported.

Liver disease

• Jaundice (dark urine, yellow eyes and skin)

Musculoskeletal side effects

• Rarely, polyarthritis (inflammation of several joints) has been reported.

What are the precautions when clindamycin is prescribed?

• Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established.
• Clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk.
• If therapy is prolonged, the liver and renal Functional tests can be monitored periodically.
• Clindamycin may potentiate the action of neuromuscular blocking agents.
• Clindamycin may counteract the effects of erythromycin.