Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. It is used to treat infections and anaerobic bacteria.

It can
be also used to treat some protozoal diseases like malaria and can be useful against some
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Clindamycin is also common topical
treatment for acne. Common brand names are Anerocin, Clindal, Dalacin, Dalacin C, Inprosyn-
HP, Klindex, and Zindal. Clindamycin is classified as Lincosamide and Antibiotic.
Indication of Clindamycin

Treatment of respiratory tract, skin or soft tissue, chronic bone or joint infections; septicemia;
intra-abdominal, female genitourinal infections; bacterial vaginosis; endocarditis. Can be used for
acne vulgaris. Clindamycin is used for treatment of malaria, otitis media, Pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia, and toxoplasmosis.
Route and Dosage of Clindamycin

IV/IM: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 1.2-1.8 g/day in 2-4 divided doses. CHILDREN: 25-40 mg/kg/day in
3-4 divided doses. Maximum: 4.8 g/day.

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 150-450 mg/dose q6-8h. CHILDREN: 10-30 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided
doses. Maximum: 1.8 g/day.
Bacterial Vaginosis

Intravaginal: ADULTS: One applicatorful at bedtime for 3-7 days or 1 suppository at bedtime for 3
days.

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 300 mg 2 times/day for 7 days.

Acne Vulgaris

Topical: ADULTS: Apply thin layer 2 times/day to affected area.

Action of Clindamycin

Bacteriostatic. Clindamycin binds to bacterial ribosomal receptor sites. Topically, it decreases

fatty acid concentration on skin. It inhibits protein synthesis of bacterial cell wall and prevents
outbreak of acne vulgaris.
Side Effect and Adverse Reaction of Clindamycin
Side Effects of Clindamycin

* Abdominal pain
* Nausea and Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Vaginitis and itching
* Dry scaly skin
* Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis with IV administration
* Pain, induration, at the IM injection site
* Allergic reaction, urticaria, pruritus
* Headache and dizziness
* Contact dermatitis
* Hypersensitivity reaction

Adverse Reactions or Toxic Effects of Clindamycin

* Antibiotic-associated colitis (Severe abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, watery and severe
diarrhea)
* Blood dyscrasias (Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia)
* Nephrotoxicity (Proteinuria, azotemia, oliguria)

Nursing Consideration for Clients Taking Clindamycin

 * Store capsules at room temperature
* After reconstitution, oral solution is stable for 2 weeks at room temperature.
* Do not refrigerate oral solution to avoid thickening.
* Give with 8 oz water.
* Question patient for history of allergies, particularly to clindamycin, lincomycin, and aspirin.
* Avoid concurrent use of neuromuscular blocking agents.
* Monitor bowel activity, stool consistency; report diarrhea promptly due to potential for serious
colitis.
* Assess skin for rash with topical application.
* Assess for superinfection: severe diaarhea, genital/anal pruritus, increase fever, and change
of oral mucosa.

Patient Teaching for Clients Taking Clindamycin

* Continue therapy for full length of treatment.

* Doses should be evenly spaced.
* Oral doses should be taken with 8 oz water.
* Caution should be used when applying topical clindamycin concurrently with peeling/abrasive
acne agents, soaps, alcohol-containing cosmetics to avoid cumulative effect
* Do not apply topical preparations near eyes, abraded areas.
* If accidental contact with eyes, rinse with cool tap water.
* Do not engage in sexual intercourse during treatment.