Clindamycin 900mg/6ml Inj, 6ml

Clindamycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. It is primarily bacteriostatic but may be bactericidal at high concentrations or against highly susceptible organisms.

Important Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor Immediately

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, seek medical attention 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 reactions. These conditions can be life-threatening and may also affect other organs in the body. Seek immediate medical attention 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. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to report any concerns to your doctor. If you experience 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
Vomiting
Bad taste in your mouth

Reporting Side Effects

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, call your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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 whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Do not initiate, discontinue, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are using this drug for an extended period, your doctor will likely recommend regular blood tests and other laboratory evaluations to monitor your condition.

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, be sure to 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 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, 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.

• Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium, vecuronium): Clindamycin has neuromuscular blocking properties and may enhance the action of these agents, leading to prolonged respiratory depression.
• Erythromycin: In vitro antagonism has been demonstrated between clindamycin and erythromycin; concurrent use is not recommended.

• Warfarin and other Vitamin K antagonists: May enhance the anticoagulant effect, leading to increased INR/bleeding risk. Monitor INR closely.
• Kaolin-pectin (oral clindamycin only): May reduce absorption of oral clindamycin. Separate administration by several hours.
• Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine): Antibiotics may reduce the therapeutic effect of live bacterial vaccines.

• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Fever
• Rash or hives
• Signs of superinfection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Clindamycin is classified as 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. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed.

Clindamycin is excreted into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions.

Dosing is weight-based. Neonates and infants may have immature renal and hepatic function, requiring careful monitoring. The preservative benzyl alcohol in some formulations can be toxic to neonates (gasping syndrome); preservative-free formulations should be used in this population.

No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal or hepatic function, which may necessitate dose adjustment or closer monitoring. They may also be more susceptible to C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

• Clindamycin IV should be infused slowly over 10-60 minutes (typically 30 mg/min or less) to avoid hypotension and cardiac arrest. Do not administer as an IV bolus.
• The risk of *Clostridioides difficile*-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a significant concern with clindamycin, and it can occur even weeks after discontinuation of therapy. Educate patients on symptoms and the importance of reporting them.
• Clindamycin is effective against many Gram-positive aerobes (including MRSA in some cases, depending on D-test results) and a wide range of anaerobes, making it useful for skin and soft tissue infections, intra-abdominal infections, and gynecological infections.
• For severe infections, a loading dose may be considered, especially in critically ill patients, to rapidly achieve therapeutic concentrations.
• Oral clindamycin should be taken with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation.

• Metronidazole (for anaerobic infections)
• Vancomycin (for MRSA and C. difficile)
• Linezolid (for MRSA and VRE)
• Daptomycin (for MRSA and VRE)
• Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, cephalosporins, carbapenems, depending on specific pathogen and site of infection)
• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin - note antagonism with clindamycin)
• Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications by checking with your pharmacist for the recommended disposal method. Unless instructed to do so, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain, as this can harm the environment. Many communities offer drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you locate. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken to ensure prompt and effective treatment.