Clindamycin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Clindamycin is an antibacterial medicine, also called an antibiotic, used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to it. It is reserved for situations where other suitable antibiotics are inappropriate, including some patients with penicillin allergy. Clindamycin requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available in oral, injectable, skin and vaginal forms.

Clindamycin works by interfering with the way bacteria make proteins. Bacteria need these proteins to grow and carry out their normal functions. Blocking protein production helps stop sensitive bacteria from multiplying, allowing the infection to be brought under control.

Not all bacteria are sensitive to this action. Tests on samples from an infection can help determine whether clindamycin is suitable. Like other antibacterial medicines, it can also disturb the normal bacteria in the bowel, which explains its risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

The injectable clindamycin label lists serious bacterial infections affecting the lungs, skin, pelvic organs, abdomen, bloodstream, bones and joints. These include pneumonia, lung abscesses, infections of the womb lining, infections inside the abdomen and bone infections. It covers certain streptococci, staphylococci and anaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that can live without oxygen.

Use is reserved for patients allergic to penicillin or those for whom a doctor considers penicillin inappropriate. The choice depends on the bacteria involved and whether they are sensitive to clindamycin. It should not be used for nonbacterial infections, such as most upper respiratory tract infections, or for meningitis.

The label lists oral capsules containing 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg, alongside skin, vaginal and injectable forms. The label lists injectable solution strengths including 150 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 12 mg/mL and 18 mg/mL. The label lists adult injected doses of 600-1200 mg/day for serious infections and 1200-2700 mg/day for more severe infections, divided into equal doses.

The label lists single intramuscular injections greater than 600 mg as not recommended. These dosing details concern injection into a muscle or a vein, rather than oral, skin or vaginal treatment. Intravenous administration requires dilution, and the prescribing clinician selects the regimen according to the infection and its severity.

The injection label specifies controlled room temperature storage at 20° to 25°C. Exposure to heat should be minimised. For GALAXY plastic containers, the label recommends room temperature at 25°C and avoiding temperatures above 30°C.

A missed dose can interrupt antibiotic treatment. For a self-administered form, follow the missed-dose advice in the medicine leaflet or ask a pharmacist, especially if the next dose is close.

Do not double a dose to make up for a missed one. If an injection appointment is missed, contact the treating team.

In clinical trials, systemic clindamycin during the second and third trimesters was not associated with an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities. Adequate, well-controlled studies during the first trimester are lacking. The label states that use during pregnancy should be limited to situations where it is clearly needed.

Benzyl alcohol in the sterile injection can cross the placenta. The label does not specify breastfeeding information; discuss breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.