Clindamycin
The generic name is Clindamycin
Drug class: Lincomycin derivatives
Oral route(Powder for Solution)
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to look into this possibility for patients who experience diarrhea after treatment with antibacterial medications. Since clindamycin therapy is linked to severe colitis, which could end in death and cause death, it should only be used for severe illnesses where non-toxic antimicrobials aren’t appropriate. Colitis, diarrhoea and pseudomembranous inflammatory colitis have been reported to start up to a few weeks after the cessation of treatment with clindamycin¹.
Oral route(Capsule)
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including clindamycin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis and has been observed to begin over 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents. It is essential to be aware of the possibility of this condition when patients experience diarrhea after an antibacterial medication. If CDAD is found to be present or suspected treatment with antibiotics that are not targeted against Clostridium difficile should be stopped. Since clindamycin treatment has been associated with colitis that is severe and could cause death It should be used only for serious infections when more non-toxic antimicrobials are ineffective.
Brand name
In the U.S.
- Cleocin HCl
- Cleocin Pediatric
In Canada
- Dalacin C Palmitate
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
- Capsule
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
Chemical Class: Lincosamide
Clindamycin is used in a variety of ways.
Clindamycin can be used for treating the symptoms of bacterial infections. Clindamycin can be administered to patients who have experienced the reaction of an allergy to penicillin. Clindamycin does not help with colds, flu or any other viral infections.
Clindamycin is only available with the prescription of your doctor.
Before using clindamycin
When you decide to take a medication, the potential risks of using the drug must be considered in relation to the benefits it can bring. This is a choice that you and your doctor take. For clindamycin, these are to be considered
Allergies
Discuss with your physician whether you’ve had an unusual or unrelated reaction to clindamycin or other medications. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, for example, to dyes, food preservatives, animals, or dyes. For products without a prescription, look over the label or ingredient list carefully.
Pediatric
Studies that are appropriate up to now haven’t revealed issues that are specific to children, which could hinder the efficacy of clindamycin children.
Geriatric
Although adequate studies on the connection between age and the consequences of clindamycin have not been conducted on the geriatric population. However, no particular geriatric problems have been reported until now. However, patients who are elderly have a higher likelihood to develop colitis, and this may warrant cautiousness in patients taking clindamycin.
Breastfeeding
There aren’t enough studies of women that can determine the risk to infants when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risk of taking this medication when nursing.
Interactions between medicines
Certain medicines shouldn’t be taken together In other instances, two medicines can be combined even though interactions could occur. In these instances, the doctor may decide to adjust the dosage or take other precautions if needed. If you’re taking clindamycin it is crucial that you let your physician know they prescribe any one of these drugs that are listed below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.
Clindamycin in conjunction in conjunction with any of the following drugs is not usually advised, however it may be necessary for certain situations. If the two medications are prescribed in conjunction and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or the frequency at which you take one or both medications.
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Erythromycin
Clindamycin in conjunction in conjunction with the following drugs could result in an increased risk of some side effects. However, having both medicines in combination could be the most effective treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed by your doctor, they could alter the dose or frequency of use of either or both drugs.
- Atracurium
- Cyclosporine
- Metocurine
- Tubocurarine
Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food
Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or in conjunction with taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. The use of tobacco or alcohol together with certain medications can result in interactions. Talk with your healthcare provider about the interaction of your medication when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.
Other medical issues
The presence of medical issues can impact the effectiveness of the drug clindamycin. Be sure to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical conditions particularly:
- Atopic syndrome
- Diarrhea
- Liver disease, serious
- Stomach or bowel issues and history of. It could make the condition worse.
- Meningitis should not be used for patients suffering from this disease.
The proper use of clindamycin
Follow the clindamycin dosage exactly as prescribed by your physician. Don’t take too much of it, don’t use it more often and don’t use it for a longer period than what your doctor has ordered. This could increase the likelihood of having side consequences.
Consume your capsule with a glass full of (8 8 ounces) of fluid. This will prevent irritation to your esophagus (tube between the stomach and the throat).
Take your oral liquid accurately using the designated measuring spoon included in the box. A typical teaspoon might not contain the proper quantity of liquid.
In order to help you clear your infection completely continue to use clindamycin throughout the entire duration of therapy, no matter if start feeling better after a couple of days. If you suffer from an “strep (or “strep”) infection, it is recommended to continue using the antibiotic for at least 10-days. This is particularly important when you have “strep” illnesses. Heart issues that could be serious can develop in the future if the infection has not completely cleared. In addition, if you discontinue clindamycin treatment too soon and your symptoms recur, you could be afflicted again.
Clindamycin is effective only when it is in a steady quantity in blood. To keep the dosage constant, don’t take a dose that you are not sure of. It is also recommended to take your dose evenly spread out both at night and daytime. If you require assistance in determining the most effective time to take your medication talk to your doctor.
Dosing
The dosage of clindamycin is likely to differ in different people. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions or the instructions printed on your prescription. The information below is only the doses that are typical of the drug clindamycin. If your dose differs don’t alter it unless your doctor advises you to change it.
The quantity of medicine you are taking is determined by your strength drug. Additionally, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the amount of time between doses and the duration of time that you are taking the medicine will be contingent on the medical issue that you’re treating with the medication.
- To be used in oral dosage form (capsules and solutions):
- Treatment of bacteria-related infections:
- Adults – 150-300 milligrams (mg) every 6 hours. For more serious infections, 300-450 mg every six hours.
- Children who weigh 10 kilograms (kg) or more. Dose is based on body mass and is established by your physician. The dosage is typically 8-16 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight daily divided into 4 or 3 equal doses. For more serious infections the dosage is typically 16-25 mg per kg body weight daily divided into equal doses.
- Children of 10 kg or less – Dose is based on body mass and is assessed by your doctor. The dosage is typically 37.5 milligrams (mg) or 1 teaspoon three times a daily.
- Treatment of bacteria-related infections:
Missed dose
If you have missed a dose of clindamycin make sure to take it as soon as you can. If it’s nearing the time to take the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and then go back to your normal dosage schedule. Do not take double doses.
Storage
Keep the medication in a sealed container that is kept at room temperature far from moisture, heat and sunlight. Be sure to keep the medicine from the medicine from freezing.
Keep away from the children’s reach.
Don’t keep old medicine or medicines that are no longer required.
Consult your physician about what you can do with any medication you don’t take.
Detailed Clindamycin dosage information
Use caution when using clindamycin.
It is crucial that your doctor monitor the progress of your child or yourself following treatment. This will ensure that the infection has gone completely and for your doctor to look for any adverse consequences. It is possible to conduct blood tests to determine if there are any unwanted adverse effects.
If your child’s symptoms don’t improve or get worse, consult your physician.
Clindamycin can cause diarrhea and in some instances, it can be extremely severe. It can happen for two months or more following you stop taking the drug clindamycin. Don’t take any medication for diarrhea without consulting your physician. If you have any concerns or if your mild diarrhea persists or becomes more severe, consult with your physician.
Severe skin reactions may occur when you use the use of clindamycin. Consult your physician right immediately if you notice peeling, blistering or thin skin or red lesions, acne that is severe or skin ulcers, sores, or rashes on your skin, or chills or fever when the child or you is taking the drug clindamycin.
Clindamycin can trigger serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical care. Get your doctor’s attention immediately when you notice an itchy rash, rash and breathing issues, problems swallowing or any swelling in your face, hands or mouth, while either you or your kid is taking the clindamycin.
Don’t take any other medication without discussing them with your physician. This includes prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine, herbal and vitamin supplements.
Clindamycin side effects
Alongside its necessary effects, medicines can produce unwanted side adverse effects. While not all of these negative side effects are likely to be present, if they do occur, they could require medical attention.
Talk to your doctor immediately If any of these negative side effects occur:
Rare
- Skin cracks
- loss of body heat
- swelling, red and rough skin
Incidence unknown
- Cramps in the stomach or abdominal area or pain or tenderness
- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- the skin peels, blisters or peeling or
- Bloating
- blood in the urine, or stool
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- chills
- Stools made of clay
- cloudy urine
- confusion
- cough or hoarseness or cough
- Dark urine that is dark
- reduction in the amount of urine
- diarrhea
- diarrhea, which is watery and severe and can be bloody
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness after rising quickly from a sitting or lying or seated
- dry mouth
- fast heartbeat
- A fever without or with chills
- general feeling of fatigue or weakness
- headache
- heartburn
- Heart stopping
- itching, hives or an itchy skin
- an increase in thirst
- itching in the vagina or the genital region
- muscle or joint discomfort
- Appetit loss
- Side or lower back or side
- nausea or vomiting
- No breath
- There is no pulse, blood pressure or heartbeat
- pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain from the back of your lower on the side
- uncomfortable or painful urination
- tiny red spots on the skin
- Swelling or puffiness on the eyelids and around the eyes or lips or the tongue
- Alopecia with flat lesions or tiny raised skin lesions
- Red skin lesions, usually with a purple-colored center
- Red, irritated eyes
- The skin is red
- sore throat
- ulcers, sores or white spots that appear in your mouth, or around the lip
- swollen glands
- Vaginal discharge is white, thick, and thick without odor or the slightest odor
- thirst
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble breathing
- unconscious
- Bad breath unpleasant breath
- bleeding or bruising that is unusual
- unusual weakness or fatigue
- unusual weight loss
- Bloody vomiting
- Skin or eyes with yellow eyes
Other adverse side effects that are not listed can also occur in certain patients. If you observe any other symptoms, consult with your physician.
More details
Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this site is appropriate to your particular situation.