Clindamycin 150mg/ml Inj, 60ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
In the event that you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to receive guidance on the appropriate 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.
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Report any severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if it contains blood or mucus, to your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a serious bowel infection (C. difficile-associated diarrhea).
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 signs or symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
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 reactions. These conditions can be life-threatening and may also affect internal organs. Seek immediate medical help 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 unusual symptoms, contact your doctor:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Nausea or vomiting
Bad taste in your mouth
Reporting 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
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Skin rash, itching, or hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
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 conditions 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 issues. Do not initiate, discontinue, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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.
When administered intravenously, this drug can cause low blood pressure and severe heart problems if given too quickly. If you have any concerns or questions, discuss them with your doctor.
Some formulations of this medication may contain benzyl alcohol. It is crucial to avoid products with benzyl alcohol in newborns and infants whenever possible, as high doses of benzyl alcohol can cause serious 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, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding 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)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is supportive; hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing clindamycin from the blood.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., atracurium, rocuronium, vecuronium): Clindamycin may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action, leading to increased or prolonged respiratory depression and paralysis.
- Erythromycin: Antagonistic effect; concurrent use is not recommended as they compete for the same ribosomal binding site.
Moderate Interactions
- Kaolin-pectin (if oral clindamycin): May decrease absorption of clindamycin. Administer clindamycin at least 2 hours before kaolin-pectin.
- Warfarin and other Vitamin K antagonists: May enhance the anticoagulant effect, leading to increased INR/bleeding risk. Monitor INR closely.
- Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine): Antibiotics may reduce the therapeutic effect of live bacterial vaccines. Avoid concurrent use or administer vaccine after antibiotic course.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Increased risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: Clindamycin is metabolized by the liver; baseline assessment is important, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially for prolonged therapy
Rationale: Although not primarily renally cleared, baseline assessment is prudent, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or for prolonged therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially for prolonged therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily during therapy and for several weeks post-therapy
Target: Normal bowel habits
Action Threshold: Onset of significant diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or bloody stools (suggestive of CDAD); discontinue drug and initiate appropriate treatment.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) for prolonged therapy (>10 days) or in patients with hepatic impairment.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant elevation (e.g., >3x ULN); consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically for prolonged therapy or in patients with renal impairment.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant elevation; consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically for prolonged therapy.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant neutropenia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia; consider discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Bloody or mucous stools
- Skin rash or hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Clindamycin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Category B). Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but human experience suggests no increased risk of birth defects.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Clindamycin is excreted into breast milk. While generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (L3), monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions. The amount transferred is generally low.
Pediatric Use
Clindamycin injection contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative, which has been associated with a fatal 'gasping syndrome' in premature infants. Therefore, clindamycin injection should be used with caution in neonates and infants, and the benefits should outweigh the potential risks. Dosing is weight-based. Close monitoring for adverse effects is crucial.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustment is required based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly severe diarrhea and CDAD. Monitor renal and hepatic function, and bowel habits closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always dilute clindamycin injection before IV administration. Do not administer as an IV bolus.
- Infuse IV clindamycin slowly over 10-60 minutes (typically 30 mg/min or less) to avoid hypotension and cardiopulmonary arrest.
- Clindamycin is effective against many anaerobic bacteria, including Bacteroides fragilis, and is a common choice for intra-abdominal and gynecological infections.
- It is also used for certain Gram-positive infections, including methicillin-susceptible and some methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
- The most significant adverse effect is Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can occur even weeks after discontinuing the drug. Educate patients on this risk.
- Consider D-test for inducible clindamycin resistance in staphylococci if erythromycin resistance is present but clindamycin appears susceptible.
Alternative Therapies
- Metronidazole (for anaerobic infections)
- Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (e.g., piperacillin/tazobactam, amoxicillin/clavulanate)
- Carbapenems (e.g., imipenem, meropenem)
- Linezolid (for Gram-positive infections, including MRSA)
- Vancomycin (for Gram-positive infections, including MRSA)
- Doxycycline (for some skin/soft tissue infections)