Clindamycin is indicated for the following infections-

• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin infections
• Acne
• Bone infection
• Abdominal infections
• Malaria (combination therapy)

Respiratory infections	Skin Infection	Acne
Bone Infection	Abdominal Infection	Malaria

Clindamycin is available as powder for solution, capsules and injection.

Adults:

The usual dose is 150-450 mg every six hours, depending on the severity of the infection.

Pediatric:

Depending on the severity of the infection, the normal dose is 3-6 mg/kg every six hours (not to exceed the adult dose).

Dosage adjustment:

Clindamycin's elimination half-life is prolonged in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. If clindamycin is given every 8 hours, there is usually no need to reduce the dosage. In individuals with significant hepatic impairment, however, the plasma levels of clindamycin should be monitored. Depending on the results, this measure may require a dosage reduction or an increase in dosing intervals.

The common side effects caused by clindamycin is as follows-

• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Rash

Pseudomembranous collitis

Diarrhea

Abdominal Pain

Rash

Nausea

• Severe hypersensitivity reactions, such as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with the use of clindamycin.
• Nearly all antibacterial drugs, including clindamycin, have been linked to Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD), which can range in severity from mild diarrhea to deadly colitis. Antibacterial treatment affects the normal flora of the colon, resulting in C. difficile overgrowth.