What Is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin, first synthesized in 1966, belongs to a class of drugs called lincomycin antibiotics. Clindamycin can be taken orally or through an injection. When taken orally, the standard adult dose is 150 to 300 milligrams every six hours. Patients with severe infections usually take 300 to 450 milligrams every six hours. Individuals who need an intramuscular injection for a serious infection will generally receive a daily dose of 600 to 1,200 milligrams. This amount is divided into two to four doses.

Clindamycin is primarily used to treat serious infections, including lung and blood infections. It is particularly useful for patients who are allergic to penicillin tablets. Some individuals may use topical clindamycin for acne. Of course, patients must talk to their doctor about taking antibiotics such as this.

How It Works

Clindamycin works by slowing down the growth of bacteria. High doses of this medication can prevent bacterial growth. It is a bacterial protein synthesis inhibitor and blocks the translocation of ribosomes. Clindamycin binds to the 50S rRNA of large bacterial ribosomal subunits. This binding can be reversed, and it overlaps with binding sites of macrolide antibiotics, oxazolidinone, pleuromutilin, and several other medicines. Clindamycin, a semisynthetic antibiotic, is derived from lincomycin. This is a natural antibiotic made by an actinobacterium called Streptomyces lincolnensis. It is water-soluble and considered more effective than lincomycin.

Uncover the uses for clindamycin next.

Uses For Clindamycin

Clindamycin may be used to treat infections involving the skin and soft tissues. This includes cellulitis, impetigo, and infections from animal bites. It is also used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Doctors may choose to prescribe it in combination with other medicines to treat pelvic inflammatory disease. Patients who have recently undergone a heart transplant, a heart valve replacement, or surgery to correct a heart defect could be given clindamycin. This would happen before procedures that could put them at risk of infection.

Less commonly, clindamycin might be considered for pneumonia patients who have not responded to other medicines. It is useful in treating malaria, and topical formulations of clindamycin may be recommended for acne. Some individuals with gum disease might need to use clindamycin as part of their treatment plan.

Get the full details on the side effects of clindamycin next.