Clindamycin

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Clindamycin is bacteriostatic.

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE products are indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE products are also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci. Its use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients for whom, in the judgment of the physician, a penicillin is inappropriate. Because of the risk of antibacterial drug-associated pseudomembranous colitis, as described in the BOXED WARNING , before selecting clindamycin the physician should consider the nature of the infection and the suitability of less toxic alternatives (e.g., erythromycin). Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin. Indicated surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibacterial drug therapy.

Dosage and administration (summary)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION If diarrhea occurs during therapy, this antibacterial drug should be discontinued (see WARNING box ). Clindamycin phosphate IM administration should be used undiluted. Clindamycin phosphate IV administration should be diluted (see Dilution for IV use and IV infusion rates below). Adults: Parenteral (IM or IV Administration): Serious infections due to aerobic gram-positive cocci and the more susceptible anaerobes (NOT generally including Bacteroides fragilis , Peptococcus species and Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens ): 600–1200 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS This drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin.

Warnings and precautions

WARNINGS See BOXED WARNING . Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including CLEOCIN PHOSPHATE, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects In clinical trials with pregnant women, the systemic administration of clindamycin during the second and third trimesters, has not been associated with an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities. Clindamycin should be used during the first trimester of pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Storage and supply

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) . Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. It is recommended that GALAXY plastic containers be stored at room temperature (25°C). Avoid temperatures above 30°C.

Source: Clindamycin Phosphate (Cleocin Phosphate) — US FDA prescribing information, 2026-07-29, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.