Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called lincosamides. It helps the body fight off bacteria by stopping them from growing.

Clindamycin is used to treat many different infections caused by certain bacteria. These include infections in the lungs (such as pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections (like abscesses or infected wounds), infections in the abdomen (such as peritonitis or abscesses), infections in the pelvic area, and infections in bones and joints.

It is also used on the skin in gel or lotion form to treat acne. For vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis, clindamycin comes as a cream or vaginal tablet.

Clindamycin works by blocking bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. It attaches to part of the bacteria’s ribosome (the protein-building part of the cell), which stops the bacteria from growing or multiplying. This helps your body get rid of the infection.

For adults with serious infections, the usual oral dose is 150 to 300 mg every six hours. In more severe cases, the dose can be 300 to 450 mg every six hours.

The dose may vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the form (oral, cream, vaginal, etc.) being used.

Clindamycin begins working quite quickly. It reaches its highest level in the blood about 45 minutes after being taken by mouth. However, the full effect of the treatment may take 1 to 2 days, depending on the infection.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and just take the next dose at the usual time. Don’t take two doses at the same time.

It’s important to finish the full course, even if you start to feel better earlier.

Common side effects include stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and mild skin rashes. In some cases, more serious side effects may happen, such as allergic reactions or severe skin conditions.

A known risk with clindamycin is an infection called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), which can lead to inflammation of the bowel (colitis). This condition can range from mild diarrhoea to life-threatening complications and usually needs special treatment.

Yes, allergic reactions can happen, although they are rare. Mild symptoms can include itching, skin rash, or hives. More serious allergic reactions might include swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat.

In very rare cases, serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur. If you notice any signs of an allergy, stop using clindamycin and get medical attention immediately.

Clindamycin does not usually make you sleepy or affect how alert you are. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or weakness, it might indirectly affect your ability to focus.

Taking too much clindamycin can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. In rare cases, especially with very high doses given through a drip, it could cause serious effects like seizures. There’s no specific antidote, so treatment focuses on stopping the medicine and giving supportive care. If you think you’ve taken too much, seek medical help straight away.

Yes, but it may interact with some other medicines. For example, clindamycin may interfere with antibiotics like rifampicin or clarithromycin, antifungal medicines like itraconazole, and seizure medications like carbamazepine and phenytoin. It can also interact with live vaccines, blood thinners like warfarin, and muscle relaxants. Always check for possible interactions before starting clindamycin.

Clindamycin is considered a category B drug during pregnancy, meaning that studies in animals haven’t shown harm, but there’s not enough research in early pregnancy in humans. It may be used during the second and third trimester if needed.

Clindamycin passes into breast milk, but is generally considered safe for short-term use while breastfeeding. Still, babies should be monitored for signs of diarrhoea or oral thrush.

Drinking alcohol in moderation while taking clindamycin is not known to cause serious problems. There are no direct interactions between alcohol and this medication. However, drinking a lot of alcohol can affect your immune system and may delay your recovery.

Take clindamycin exactly as instructed. Capsules or liquid should be swallowed with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food—taking it with food might help if it upsets your stomach.

If you’re using it on your skin for acne, apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day or as instructed. For vaginal infections, the cream should usually be applied at bedtime for a set number of days.

Keep clindamycin at room temperature (between 20°C and 25°C), away from heat, light, and moisture. Don’t store it in a bathroom or near a sink. Make sure the bottle or tube is closed tightly.

You can take clindamycin with or without food. It won’t affect how the medicine works, but taking it with food might help prevent stomach discomfort.

In some situations, such as chronic skin conditions like acne or hidradenitis suppurativa, clindamycin may be used for longer periods. However, long-term use carries a higher risk of antibiotic resistance and side effects, especially gut-related issues like C. difficile infection. It should only be used long-term under medical supervision.

Clindamycin should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the ingredients in the medicine. People with a history of bowel conditions like colitis, or those with liver or kidney problems, should use it with caution and may need closer monitoring.

Clindamycin capsules should not be broken, chewed, or crushed. They are meant to be swallowed whole.

To get Clindamycin, fill out a medical form or book a video consult. After approval, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy for fast delivery.

Yes, clindamycin is a prescription-only medicine. It can only be ordered after a medical consultation, such as through a doctor working with Transtoyou.

After approval by a doctor, Clindamycin is forwarded to the pharmacy and typically shipped within 1–2 working days.

For safety and legal reasons, Clindamycin is non-returnable once shipped. Ensure it's right for you before purchase.