Drug class
Clindamycin is a semisynthetic lincosamide antibiotic. It "inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosome" and is bacteriostatic against gram-positive and anaerobic
Uses
Clindamycin treats serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including anaerobes, streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci. Use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or when penicillin is inappropriate. Specific indications include respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, septicemia, intra-abdominal infections, and pelvic/genital infections. "Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility."
Warnings
Boxed Warning: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis has been reported. The drug alters normal colon flora, risking C. difficile overgrowth. "CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use," even occurring over two months after therapy ends. Additional warnings include severe skin reactions (including fatal cases), contraindication in meningitis (inadequate CSF penetration), and caution in patients with gastrointestinal disease or hepatic/renal impairment.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS CLINDAGEL is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
Overdose
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied CLINDAGEL may be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see WARNINGS ).
Dosage & administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of CLINDAGEL once daily to the skin where acne lesions appear. Use enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Keep container tightly closed.
Side effects
Most frequent adverse reactions are mild-to-moderate skin rashes. Other reported effects include gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), pseudomembranous colitis, hypersensitivity reactions, and rare severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
