Clindamycin Dosage, Uses, Side Effects & Interactions

Clindamycin is an antibiotic prescription medication used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. It is available as several brand name drugs including Cleocin, Cleocin T, Evoclin, and Clindesse. In the following article we discuss the uses, dosage, side effects, and interactions of clindamycin. 

Clindamycin Dosage

Clindamycin is available as an oral tablet as an oral solution. The recommended dosage for clindamycin can vary based on a variety of factors including:

• Your age
• Your weight
• Your condition
• Your response to your first dose

Clindamycin Dosage for Bacterial Infection

Adults: 150-300 mg every 6 hours. For more severe infections, dosage may increase to 300-450 mg every 6 hours. 

Children weighing 10 kilograms (kg) or more: Dosage is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 8 to 16 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses. For more severe infections, the dose is usually 16 to 25 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses.

Children weighing 10 kilograms (kg) or less: Dosage should be determined by a doctor. 

What Is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic prescription medication used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. It is available as several brand name drugs including Cleocin, Cleocin T, Evoclin, and Clindesse. 

What Is Clindamycin Phosphate? 

Clindamycin phosphate is more stable than clindamycin and has a broader use in topical forms, pills, and oral solutions. 

How Does Clindamycin Work?

Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. In turn, this prevents bacteria from growing and spreading infection throughout the body. After it is taken, clindamycin binds to the 50s ribosomal subunit of bacteria. It then disrupts bacterial protein synthesis by inhibiting chemical reaction within the bacteria. 

Clindamycin Uses

Clindamycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, skin, blood, internal organs, and female reproductive organs. 

What Kind Of Infections Does Clindamycin Treat?

Clindamycin is able to treat a variety of infections, including the following: 

- Septicemia

- Intra-abdominal infections

- Lower respiratory infections

- Gynecological infections

- Bone and joint infections 

Clindamycin Side Effects 

Clindamycin does have a few associated side effects, some of which are more serious than others.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of clindamycin include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Joint pain
• Pain when swallowing
• White patches in the mouth
• Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth
• Burning, itching, and swelling of the vagina

Serious Side Effects 

Some side effects of clindamycin are more serious and severe. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects of an extended period of time. 

• Peeling or bruising of skin
• Rash
• Hives
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Decreased urination
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue 

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information.  However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who  knows your medical history. 

Clindamycin Interactions 

Clindamycin may interact with other medications used to treat bacterial infections. Using clindamycin with any of the following drugs is usually not recommended, as it can cause unwanted side effects:

• Cholera Vaccine
• Erythromycin 

Can You Drink On Clindamycin? 

There is no restriction on drinking alcohol while taking clindamycin. However, you should always consult your doctor and/or pharmacist if you plan on drinking alcohol while taking any medication. 

Clindamycin Dosage, Uses Side Effects & Interactions Summary

Clindamycin is an antibiotic prescription medication used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. It is available as several brand name drugs including Cleocin, Cleocin T, Evoclin, and Clindesse. 

Clindamycin works by attaching the 50s ribosomal subunit of bacteria, thus disrupting bacterial protein synthesis. In doing so, clindamycin helps prevent the spread of bacterial infections.