Clindamycin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription required, available at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Clindamycin FAQ


Image credit: mcguffmedical.com

Does clindamycin kill bacteria?

Depending on the type of infection and the dosage of clindamycin, the drug can either kill or stop the growth of bacteria. Topical clindamycin is a common treatment option for acne and bacterial infections in the vagina. Doctors also use clindamycin to treat infections in people with penicillin allergies.

What is clindamycin phosphate used for?

In people with hypersensitivity to penicillins, clindamycin may be used to treat infections caused by susceptible aerobic bacteria, as well. It is also used to treat bone and joint infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Topical application of clindamycin phosphate can be used to treat mild to moderate acne.

What is clindamycin used for?

Last updated on Aug 23, 2023. What is clindamycin? Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Clindamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. Clindamycin is usually available as one of three salts: clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, or clindamycin nicotinamide.

How does clindamycin work?

Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Can clindamycin be used for infections?

Clindamycin can be used for infections (eg, skin and soft-tissue infections) in communities where community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is common; whether clindamycin is useful depends on local resistance patterns. Clindamycin can be used for infections due to clindamycin - and erythromycin -susceptible strains.

Clindamycin References

If you want to know more about Clindamycin, consider exploring links below:

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