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Clindamycin

Clindamycin

September 28, 2020
Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Doctors prescribed it in treating bacterial infections such as:

  • Bones and joint infections such as osteomyelitis
  • Septicemia, blood poisoning
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Tooth abscesses
  • Bloodstream infections due to anaerobic bacteria
  • Bacterial vaginitis, an infection caused by too many bacteria in the vagina
  • Lung abscesses
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Prevention of bacterial endocarditis of infection of the heart valve
  • Peritonitis
  • Tonsillitis, pharyngitis
  • Toxoplasmosis, an infection that causes serious problem among those with a weak immune system
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Pneumonia
  • Middle ear infection
  • Strep throat

Clindamycin is good at treating bacterial infections. It’s active against a wide variety of bacteria such as:

Clindamycin is especially proven to be effective in treating acne when combined with other medications. It is sometimes used to treat malaria, a serious infection spread by mosquito. Both adults and children can safely use this medicine. Clindamycin is listed on the World’s Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. It is usually reserve for when other types of antibiotics have not been effective and for those who are allergic to penicillin.

Clindamycin is a lincomycin type of antibiotic. Lincomycin is used in people who are allergic to penicillin and for treating only a severe type of bacterial infection. It works by preventing the bacteria from producing proteins needed for their survival. Without the necessary protein, bacteria will not be able to grow, multiply, and spread. They will eventually be destroyed by the immune system and die.

When and How to Use Clindamycin

Your dose and how long you need to take this medicine is based on the following:

  • Type of your infection
  • The severity of your infection
  • Your age
  • Strength of the medicine

The typical recommended dose for Clindamycin capsule for adults is:

  • Serious bacterial infections: 150 mg to 300 mg every 6 hours
  • Severe bacterial infections: 300 mg to 450 mg every 6 hours

The onset of action of this drug can be observed 60 minutes after oral intake. The duration of the effects can last an average of 4 to 6 hours. Always follow the instruction given by your doctor. Take it with plenty of water. Swallow the capsule whole. You can take it with or without food. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

Finish the entire course of your treatment even if you feel better or even if the infection may seem to clear up. Stopping your medication too early may only increase the chance of your infection to come back. In case you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember but if it’s almost time for you to take it, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule as usual.

Possible Side Effects of Clindamycin

Common side effects are:

  • Mild skin rash
  • Vaginal itching or discharge
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Joint pain

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Little to no urination
  • Any change in bowel habit
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Diarrhea that is bloody or watery

If the following symptoms become worse or do not go away, seek medical help:

  • Heartburn
  • Itching, burning, and swelling of the vagina
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth
  • White, thick vaginal discharge

Serious side effects are:

  • Yellowing of the skin or jaundice
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Itching, hives, rash
  • An overgrowth of yeast Candida which may cause vaginal thrush
  • Ulcerative esophagitis

What should I know before taking Clindamycin?    

  • This medication works well in treating bacterial infections but it won’t work against colds, flu, and other viral infections. Using antibiotics when not needed such as this one will only increase your risk of getting an infection and will only make the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic.
  • Clindamycin is not suitable for anyone. Patients who are allergic to lincomycin antibiotics should not use this medicine.
  • Before using this drug tell your doctor if you have ever had:
    • Liver disease
    • Colitis
    • Crohn’s disease and other intestinal disorder
    • Severe allergic reaction to aspirin
    • Asthma
    • Eczema
    • Allergic skin reactions
  • Extra monitoring and a lower dose are needed for people who have:
    • History of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
    • A rare metabolic disorder called porphyria
    • History of inflammation of the large intestine
    • Diarrhea due to antibiotic treatment
  • Antibiotics like this drug may cause an overgrowth of dangerous bacteria in the large intestine. This may cause mild to severe diarrhea called colitis or inflammation of the large intestine. Clindamycin, among all antibiotics, is more likely to cause colitis. Use this only if the infection can’t be treated with other antibiotics.

Getting the Best Result from Clindamycin

  • Clindamycin appears to be generally safe during pregnancy. It is not known to be harmful to the developing baby. However, just like any other antibiotic, if you wish to take this, inform your doctor first.
  • Inform your doctor if you are having surgery or dental procedures while taking this medicine.
  • In case of severe diarrhea during treatment, tell your doctor right away. Do not take any anti-diarrhea medication.
  • This medication does not interact with contraceptive pills. If you will experience vomiting or diarrhea during your treatment, it can make your pill less effective.
  • It’s generally safe to drink alcoholic beverages during your treatment with this medicine. However, if this medicine gives you an upset stomach, do not drink alcohol as this can make it worse.

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