Clindamy/d5w 600mg/50ml Inj, 50ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It's essential to follow the instructions carefully. This medication can be administered in two ways: as an injection into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein, which is given over a period of time.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best way to store it.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to find out the best course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Report any severe or persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood/mucus in your stool to your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of a serious bowel infection (C. difficile-associated diarrhea).
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medications without consulting your doctor if you develop diarrhea while on clindamycin, as this can worsen C. difficile infection.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Clindamycin 1% Gel 60gm
- Clindamycin 1% Pledgets 60s
- Clindamycin 300mg Capsules
- Clindamycin 1% Lotion 60ml
- Clindamycin 1% Topical Soln 60ml
- Clindamycin 1% Topical Soln 30ml
- Clindamycin 2% Vaginal Cream 40gm
- Clindamycin 150mg Capsules
- Clindamycin 1% Gel 30gm
- Clindamycin 150mg/ml Inj, 60ml
- Clindamycin 1% Foam 100gm
- Clindamycin 1% Foam 50gm
- Clindamycin 150mg Capsules
- Clindamycin 300mg Capsules
- Clindamycin 900mg Inj, 50ml
- Clindamycin 900mg/6ml Inj, 6ml
- Clindamycin Phos/tretinoin Gel 60gm
- Clindamycin 1% Gel (once Daily)75ml
- Clindamycin 75mg Capsules
- Clindamycin Phos/tretinoin Gel 30gm
- Clindamycin Phos/tretinoin Gel 60gm
- Clindamycin 1% Lotion 60ml
- Clindamycin 1% Gel(once Daily)75ml
- Clindamy/d5w 600mg/50ml Inj, 50ml
- Clindamycin Ped 75mg/5ml Sol 100ml
- Clindamycin 300mg/d5w Inj, 50ml
- Clindamy/d5w 900mg/50ml Inj, 50ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Joint pain or swelling
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Vaginal itching or discharge
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Severe Skin Reactions
This medication can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious conditions. These reactions can be life-threatening and may affect other organs in the body. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Nausea or vomiting
Bad taste in your mouth
Reporting Side Effects
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Fever
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
A history of stomach or bowel problems, such as colitis.
* If you have been diagnosed with meningitis. Note that this medication is not intended to treat meningitis.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
Precautions & Cautions
This medication is not intended to treat the common cold, and you should not use it for longer than prescribed. Prolonged use can increase the risk of a second infection.
Administering this drug too quickly through a vein can cause severe hypotension and serious heart problems. If you have any concerns or questions, discuss them with your doctor.
Some formulations of this medication may contain benzyl alcohol. Whenever possible, it is recommended to avoid products containing benzyl alcohol in newborns and infants, as certain doses of benzyl alcohol can cause severe side effects in these children, particularly when combined with other medications containing benzyl alcohol. Consult your doctor to determine if this product contains benzyl alcohol.
If you are 60 years or older, exercise caution when using this medication, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication during these situations to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Respiratory depression (rare, but possible with very high doses or rapid infusion)
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote for clindamycin overdose. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing clindamycin from the blood. In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center immediately (e.g., call 1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., atracurium, rocuronium, vecuronium): Clindamycin has neuromuscular blocking properties and may enhance the action of these agents, leading to increased or prolonged respiratory depression/paralysis.
- Erythromycin: Antagonistic effect due to competition for the same ribosomal binding site.
Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists: May enhance the anticoagulant effect, leading to increased INR and bleeding risk. Monitor INR closely.
- Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine): Antibiotics may reduce the therapeutic effect of live bacterial vaccines.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential hematologic abnormalities (e.g., leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) with prolonged therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially for prolonged courses.
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential hepatotoxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or during prolonged therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially for prolonged courses.
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential nephrotoxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or during prolonged therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially for prolonged courses.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily during therapy and for several weeks post-therapy
Target: Normal bowel habits
Action Threshold: Onset of severe, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever; consider C. difficile testing.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) for prolonged therapy (>10 days) or in patients with hepatic impairment.
Target: Within normal limits or stable baseline
Action Threshold: Significant elevation of transaminases or bilirubin; consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) for prolonged therapy or in patients with renal impairment.
Target: Within normal limits or stable baseline
Action Threshold: Significant elevation of BUN/creatinine; consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) for prolonged therapy (>10 days).
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant decrease in WBC, neutrophil, or platelet counts; consider discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash or itching
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Clindamycin is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. Limited data from human pregnancies suggest no increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Clindamycin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers clindamycin to be compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions.
Pediatric Use
Clindamycin is generally safe and effective for use in pediatric patients, including neonates (with appropriate dose adjustments for age and weight). Close monitoring for adverse effects, particularly diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, is crucial. Dosage should be carefully calculated based on body weight.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is required based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to the development of severe colitis associated with clindamycin. Monitor renal and hepatic function, and observe closely for diarrhea and other adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Clindamycin is highly effective against anaerobic bacteria, making it a valuable agent for intra-abdominal, gynecological, and skin/soft tissue infections.
- The most significant adverse effect is *Clostridioides difficile*-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can range from mild diarrhea to severe, life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis. This can occur during therapy or up to several weeks after discontinuation.
- Rapid IV infusion can lead to hypotension and cardiac arrest; infuse over at least 10-60 minutes (typically 30 minutes for 600 mg).
- Clindamycin does not penetrate the CNS well, so it is not a primary choice for CNS infections unless used in combination with other agents or for specific pathogens (e.g., toxoplasmosis).
- Consider clindamycin as an alternative for penicillin-allergic patients, especially for dental or skin infections, but be aware of potential cross-reactivity with lincomycin.
- Resistance to clindamycin can develop, particularly in staphylococci (inducible clindamycin resistance, D-test positive). Susceptibility testing is important.
Alternative Therapies
- Metronidazole (for anaerobic infections)
- Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate, piperacillin/tazobactam)
- Carbapenems (e.g., imipenem/cilastatin, meropenem)
- Moxifloxacin (for some anaerobic and aerobic infections)
- Vancomycin (for MRSA or severe Gram-positive infections where clindamycin is not appropriate)
- Linezolid (for MRSA or VRE)