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Clindamycin - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Clindamycin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic belonging to the family of lincomycin antibiotics. It is prescribed for treating various bacterial infections. This includes threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), skin infections, infections in the lungs, blood, reproductive organs of women, and internal organs. This medication works by gradually stopping the growth and spread of bacteria in the body.
One can take the capsule or the liquid solution three to four times a day as prescribed.

Uses of Clindamycin

Clindamycin treats different bacterial infections, which also extend to treating acne, anthrax, and malaria.
The antibiotic can be prescribed with other medicines to treat ear infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis (pain/ swelling in the back of the throat), toxoplasmosis (infection due to mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, weak immune system, contaminated meat).
Many specialists prescribe Clindamycin to cure vaginal infections and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve) when germs enter the bloodstream (a common occurrence during dental procedures).

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Common side effects of Clindamycin

If you experience these symptoms for an unusually long time then, consult your doctor.

  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of taste.
  • Joint/muscle pain.
  • Pain while swallowing.
  • Heartburn.
  • White patches/ulcers in the mouth.
  • Thick/white vaginal discharge.
  • Burning sensation and itching of the vagina.

Serious side effects are listed below. These require immediate attention:

  • Skin peeling or blisters.
  • Rash and itching causing skin redness.
  • Hives.
  • Difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Swelling in body parts like face, throat, tongue, ankles.
  • Yellow skin or eyes.
  • Decreased Urination.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Clindamycin

1. Does Clindamycin phosphate expire?

Yes. The expiration date of Clindamycin Phosphate is 60 days. Do not refrigerate Clindamycin gel as it may thicken and turn hard to apply smoothly. Store it at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight. Throw away the unused gel rather than using it on the face for acne treatment.

2. Is Clindamycin used for std?

Clindamycin works by gradually ceasing the growth and spread of bacteria. Vaginal Clindamycin is not recommended to treat vaginal irritation provoked by yeast infections or STD like chlamydia and trichomoniasis. There are more effective antibiotics for STD. The appropriate treatment for chlamydia would be tetracyclines, azithromycin, or erythromycin.

Can you drink coffee while taking Clindamycin?

There’s no evidence demonstrating the effect of coffee on Clindamycin. However, it’s recommended not to take coffee with antibiotics. Some antibiotics might reduce how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming these medicines with coffee can cause an increase in unwanted side effects. For instance, jitteriness, migraine, increased heart rate.

Is Clindamycin gel good for acne?

There are no studies or controlled data indicating the effect of Clindamycin during the first trimester of pregnancy. In clinical trials with pregnant women, a study concluded that early second-trimester treatment of bacterial vaginosis (vaginal infection) and abnormal vaginal flora with Clindamycin might lower the occurrence of preterm delivery and late miscarriage.

Is Clindamycin safe during pregnancy?

One must wait for 72 hours after completing the course of antibiotics before consuming any alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and lead to unwanted side effects. Pharmacists and professionals advise avoiding alcohol-drug interaction to be safe. Moreover, liquor can make the drug less effective in treatment.

Can a person drink alcohol while taking Clindamycin?

One must wait for 72 hours after completing the course of antibiotics before consuming any alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and lead to unwanted side effects. Pharmacists and professionals advise avoiding alcohol-drug interaction to be safe. Moreover, liquor can make the drug less effective in treatment.

Is Clindamycin a powerful antibiotic?

Yes, Clindamycin is a strong broad-based antibiotic doctors prescribe to treat severe infections, including the fatal MRSA infection. It has a positive effect on various bacterial infections, including those which survive without air. Conditions treated include: Respiratory infections. Skin/soft tissue infections. Bloodstream infection (sepsis). Genital infections. Abdominal diseases.

Is Clindamycin penicillin?

No. Cleocin and penicillin are two different antibiotic drugs and belong to separate categories. Cleocin is a lincomycin antibiotic, and penicillin is a penicillin antibiotic drug. However, they both are used for treating severe bacterial infections. They both react with other agents and have different side effects and impacts on the consumer.

How quickly does Clindamycin work?

An improvement in the symptoms is noticeable after 24 hours, as the body and intestine very quickly absorb Clindamycin. Suppose the symptoms are not getting better, and there is the continued deterioration of health after a few days. In that case, one must follow up with their respective healthcare provider.

Who should not take Clindamycin?

People with a demonstrated history of pseudomembranous or ulcerative colitis are not recommended for Clindamycin drug as these conditions can severely lead to inflammation of the intestine lining.

Other conditions contradicting with the medicine are:

  • Infection with Clostridium difficile bacteria.
  • Myasthenia gravis, a skeletal muscle disorder.
  • Crohn's disease.
  • Liver disease.
  • Bleeding in the bowels.
  • Renal impairment.
  • Atopic dermatitis.

Yashoda Hospitals has a team of experts who are always available to guide you through your medical needs effectively. Call to know more about the precautions, uses, dosages and side effects of Clindamycin.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.