Clindamycin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug clindamycin?

What is clindamycin for?

The drug clindamycin is an antibiotic to treat various bacterial infections. The function of clindamycin is to treat infections in the lungs, joints and bones, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, as well as infections in other internal organs.

Clindamycin is also a drug that is often used to treat acne and help remove acne scars. This drug is also sometimes combined with other drugs to treat anthrax and malaria.

In addition, clindamycin is also used to treat:

• ear infection
• tonsillitis (tonsils)
• pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat)
• toxoplasmosis, when various other drugs cannot treat the condition.

In some cases, this drug can be used to prevent endocarditis (heart valve infection). Usually, this drug is given to those who are at high risk of developing the infection due to the side effects of certain dental procedures.

Clindamycin is a drug that belongs to the lincomycin class of antibiotics. The way the clindamycin drug works is to stop the growth of bacteria and prevent their spread from moving to other parts of the body.

This antibiotic will not affect viral infections, such as fever and influenza.

Taking this medication carelessly or unnecessarily puts you at risk of becoming resistant to antibiotics, making you more susceptible to infection later in life. Use this medication as directed by your doctor.

How do you take clindamycin?

Clindamycin must be consumed according to a doctor's prescription. Follow all usage instructions listed on the packaging or prescription label. Do not use this medication too much or too little and for longer or less than recommended.

Take capsules with a glass of water to prevent throat irritation.

Make sure the dose of medicine you are taking is right. If you are given a liquid preparation (syrup), drink it with a measuring spoon, not with a regular spoon at home.

Apart from being in capsule and syrup form, clindamycin is a drug that can sometimes be given by injection into a muscle or vein through an IV. If you are on self-medication, you will be shown how to use a syringe at home.

Do not inject this drug yourself if you do not understand how to inject and dispose of needles, intravenous lines, and other objects to inject drugs properly.

Use a disposable needle only once. Don't use it over and over again.

Be careful when disposing of used syringes. Use a puncture-resistant disposal area (ask the pharmacist where to get it and how to dispose of it). Keep out of reach of children and pets.

To make sure that this drug is not dangerous, you may need repeated medical tests during treatment.

Clindamycin is a drug that must be consumed, or taken until the specified time as directed.

Skipping doses may also increase the risk of infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Clindamycin is a drug that is not properly used to treat viral infections such as flu or colds.

How do I store the drug clindamycin?

Clindamycin is a drug that must be stored at room temperature. Keep this drug away from direct sunlight and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom or on freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Clindamycin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the clindamycin dosage for adults?

The following is the dose of clindamycin by mouth (taken by mouth):

• Serious infections: 150-300 mg every 6 hours
• More severe infections: 300-450 mg every 6 hours

Here is the clindamycin dosage by injection:

• Serious infections: 600-1,200 mg by infusion / injection per day, divided doses into 2-4 equally
• Severe infection: 1,200-2,700 mg by infusion / injection per day, divided doses into 2-4 equally
• More severe infections: up to 4,800 mg intravenously per day

What is the clindamycin dosage for children?

The following is the oral (drinking) dose of clindamycin for children:

Weight 10 kg or less:

• The minimum dose of clindamycin is 37.5 mg 3 times a day

Weight 11 kg or more:

• The dose of clindamycin for common infections is 8-12 mg / kg per day, divided into 3-4 doses equally
• The dose of clindamycin for severe infections is 13-16 mg / kg per day, divided into 3-4 evenly
• The dose of clindamycin for more severe infections is 17-25 mg / kg per day, divided into 3-4 doses equally

The following is the dose of clindamycin by injection (injection) for children:

• 0-1 months of age: 15-20 mg / kg by infusion per day, divided doses into 3-4 equally. Lower doses may be sufficient for preterm and small newborns.
• Age 1 month-16 years: Dose according to body weight: 20-40 mg / kg by infusion or injection per day, divided into 3-4 doses equally. Higher doses are useful for more severe infections.

The following is the topical dose of clindamycin (topical, such as cream or ointment) for children:

• Serious infection: 350 mg / m2 by IV (intravenous) injection or IM (intramuscular) injection per day
• Severe infection: 450 mg / m2 by IV infusion or IM injection per day

Here is the clindamycin dosage for other treatment in children:

• Clindamycin for serious infections is 8-16 mg / kg per day, the dose is divided into 3-4 equally
• Clindamycin for more severe infections is 16-20 mg / kg per day, divided into 3-4 doses equally

In what preparations is clindamycin available?

The clindamycin preparations are:

• Capsules: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
• Gel
• Pad
• Solution
• Lotion

Overall, clindamycin dosing is the result of a combination of several considerations, such as:

• age
• the severity of the disease
• the patient's health condition, as well as the body's response to drugs

There may be several doses not listed above. If you are in doubt about the dosage of this drug, please consult a doctor for more information. Your doctor may give you a dose of medicine that suits your condition.

Clindamycin Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of clindamycin?

Some of the most common side effects of clindamycin include:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Mild stomach pain
• Joint pain
• Vagina itching or discharge
• Mild rash or itching
• Heartburn
• Sore throat

Stop using the drug and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects of clindamycin, such as:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Urinating infrequently or completely
• Fever
• Shivering
• Body aches
• Flu symptoms
• Sore mouth and throat
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (on the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red spots under the skin
• Severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, sore skin, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially to the face or upper body) and blisters and peeling skin

The side effects of clindamycin may vary from patient to patient. So, not everyone experiences these clindamycin side effects.

There may be some clindamycin side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain clindamycin side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Before using clindamycin, it is important that you weigh all the benefits and risks of this drug. The reason is, clindamycin should not be used carelessly. Some things that are important for you to know before using the clindamycin drug are:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction or unusual symptoms from using this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell doctors and nurses if you have other types of allergies, such as food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter medications, read the label or package carefully.

Children

Research on this drug has only been conducted in adults. The safety of clindamycin for children under 12 years of age is something that has not been proven clinically. Make sure you consult a doctor.

Elderly

Whether or not clindamycin is safe if consumed by the elderly is uncertain.

Although there is no specific information comparing the benefits of this drug for the elderly with other age groups, it is hoped that this drug does not cause different side effects for the elderly and for the young.

There may be other things not mentioned above. If you have other questions, please consult a doctor for more information.

Is clindamycin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this medicine for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This medicine falls into the pregnancy risk category B according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, which is the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

It is not known whether this drug can be absorbed by breast milk or could harm the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines can interact with clindamycin?

Some drugs cannot be taken at the same time because there will be drug interactions. Drug interactions can affect the action of the drug or increase the risk of drug side effects.

Even so, there are cases where you may have to take drugs that interact with each other. In this case, the doctor may adjust the dosage or advise you on ways to prevent side effects.

The use of clindamycin with other medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with the medicines below or change some of the other drugs that you are taking.

• Amifampridine
• Erythromycin
• Atracurium
• Metocurine
• Tubocurarine

There may be some medicines which are not listed above. Consult your doctor for all types of drugs you take, both prescription and non-prescription drugs, multivitamins, and herbal products.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor.

Are there any health conditions that affect the action of this drug?

The following are some of the health conditions that might trigger interactions with clindamycin:

• Porphyria blood disorders
• Impaired kidney function
• Atopic syndrome
• Liver disfunction
• Meningitis

There may be several health conditions not listed above. If you are in doubt about your health condition, then don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe other medications that are appropriate for your condition.

Clindamycin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Some of the most common symptoms of a clindamycin overdose are:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Dizzy
• Lost balance
• Numbness and tingling
• Seizures

There may be some signs and symptoms of a drug overdose not listed above. If you have any doubts regarding this, please consult a doctor for more information.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time to take the next medication, ignore the missed dose.

Continue to take medication according to a normal schedule. Do not double the dose in one medication.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.