Overview Of Clindamycin
Clindamycin appears to be a common antibiotic that was first created in 1966. Patients may be able to pick their form, as it comes in pills, liquid, and as an injection. If patients take this antibiotic by mouth, they can likely expect to receive a dose every six hours. This dose may span between 150 to 300 milligrams. However, this may change. A severe infection may need doses 300 to 450 milligrams instead. Injections also vary. The daily dose of an injection may be between 600 to 1,200 milligrams. This may, however, be divided into two to four doses.
Clindamycin may be a significant part of treating severe infections. This can include blood, lung, and skin infections. Patients who are allergic to penicillin medicine may be able to take this antibiotic instead. In some cases, patients may take topical clindamycin for acne. Pills for acne are also possible, though they may not be as effective. However, patients should want to have their doctor inform them about this medication.
How It Works
Clindamycin is supposed to work by slowing down the growth of bacteria in an individual's body. If possible, it should prevent this growth. However, this may not always be the case. It seems to be a semisynthetic antibiotic. This is because it is made from lincomycin, which is natural. Clindamycin should block the synthesis of bacterial protein. It may also block ribosome translocation. This antibiotic is intended to bind to certain sites, specifically 50S rRNA. However, this may be reversible. It may also overlap with several other medications, including macrolide antibiotics. Individuals who may take this antibiotic should know that it appears to be water-soluble. This means that it should dissolve in water.
Learn about what this antibiotic may be used for next.
Uses For Clindamycin
There appears to be many uses for clindamycin. Patients with certain skin infections may need to take it. Possible examples include cellulitis and infected animal bites. Some women with bacterial vaginosis may benefit from this antibiotic as well. Patients who have had certain types of heart surgery may need to take this antibiotic before other operations. This is because they may be at a higher risk of infection.
If individuals with pneumonia have not seen results with other medications, they may benefit from this one. Some claim that it may help treat malaria as well. Sometimes, patients with acne can benefit from topical forms of this antibiotic as well. Another potential use for it is as part of gum disease treatment.
Get details on possible side effects next.
Side Effects
Unfortunately, side effects seem to be common with this antibiotic. Patients often deal with vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. However, other side effects can occur. This may include jaundice, pain in the abdomen, and skin rashes. A metallic taste in the patient's mouth may also appear. Although rare, individuals taking this antibiotic can also experience joint pain and heartburn. Their ability to swallow may also become painful.
Serious side effects are white patches in the mouth, and itching or swelling around the vagina. Patients should consider talking to their doctor as soon as possible about these effects. Severe skin reactions and an inflamed colon may also be possible with this antibiotic. Emergency medical attention may also be necessary. Hives, skin blistering, and breathing difficulties are among the indicators for this.
Continue reading to reveal precautions linked to this antibiotic next.
Precautions To Remember
Patients may want to speak to their doctor before they prescribe them clindamycin. Conditions that their doctor should know about include asthma, liver disease, eczema, and Crohn's disease. Allergies may also be valuable information. Individuals with allergies to Aspirin or even yellow food dye may need to take a different antibiotic. This can make treatment a little more complicated. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should keep a close watch on their babies for side effects. They need to talk to a doctor immediately about diarrhea, an upset stomach, and a diaper rash. This antibiotic can affect anesthesia, so surgeons should be aware of if their patient is taking it.
Clindamycin seems to be sensitive to temperature and moisture. Thus, patients may be told to store it at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. It appears as if the injectable form may require the most care regarding temperature. Patients may drink water with the pills so that they have a chance to avoid side effects. If it is a liquid, patients may use a dosing spoon. Nurses are likely to give patients their first injectable dose. However, they may teach patients how to provide themselves with doses as well. Follow-up visits may be necessary. Taking all of the antibiotics prescribed can be important. If patients do not, they may be at risk of the infection returning. They may also have to deal with one that is resistant to antibiotics.
Discover potential medication interactions next.
Potential Medication Interactions
It seems to be possible for clindamycin to interact with other medications. Interactions may result in side effects, or they may make medications less effective. This is why patients may wish to talk to their doctor about their current medications and supplements before they are prescribed this antibiotic. Patients may also want to continue verifying it at refills with the pharmacist.
In some cases, patients may be able to have their doses adjusted. This can apply to rifampin or ketoconazole, among others. However, patients may not be able to combine medications. One example is that patients may not take this antibiotic along with erythromycin or certain antidepressants. Women who take birth control pills may also find that this antibiotic can affect it.
