Our body is continually suffering from attacks by various bacterial microorganisms, which cause diseases in different parts of our body.
In this sense, medical science, aware of this problem, has worked together with laboratories that manufacture pharmaceutical formulas, to create medicines in order to reduce the attack of these bacteria and favor their elimination. Among these medications is clindamycin.
For this reason, in the following article we provide you with all the information you need to know about this drug, its most relevant characteristics and for which situations your doctor can prescribe it.
What is clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria and a wide variety of other anaerobic bacteria, including beta- lactamase-producing pathogens. (1)
Its active principle is clindamycin (as hydrochloride) , a lincosamide of semi-synthetic origin derived from lincomycin, whose mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of bacterial proliferation , thus interfering with the formation of the peptic chain during protein synthesis. bacterial. (two)
The presentation of this medicine is in 300 mg capsules, being its oral administration and its dosage will depend on the medical evaluation and the type of infection.
Note: In patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, a dose adjustment is not required after medical recommendation. In children older than 1 month , the recommended dose is 8 to 25 mg/kg/day divided into 3 or 4 equal doses orally.
In specific cases the following treatment is recommended:
- In patients with pelvic inflammatory disease: After treatment with this drug intravenously, a dose of 450 mg to 600 mg of clindamycin every 6 hours until completing 10 to 14 days.
- In patients with HIV-infected pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii: 300 mg to 450 mg should be administered every 6 hours for 21 days.
- Toxoplasmic encephalitis in patients with HIV infection: 600 mg to 1,200 mg every 6 hours orally for 2 weeks.
What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is indicated for the treatment of the following pathologies:
- Acne vulgaris, prophylaxis for dental interventions and periodontitis .
- Bacteroides and Chlamydia infections .
- diverticulosis and endometritis.
- Bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis in patients allergic to penicillin.
- Bacterial vaginosis, as an alternative to metronidazole.
- Toxoplasmosis .
- Anaerobic infections such as Streptococci and Babesia .
- Infections of the skin and soft tissues.
You should know: Clindamycin is not effective against infections of viral origin or infections of the Central Nervous System .
Clindamycin Side Effects
The use of clindamycin may cause some of the following side effects in certain patients:
- Possible allergic reactions due to contact with any of the components of clindamycin.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea or colitis.
- Possible nausea and vomiting.
- Possible decrease in white blood cells .
- It can have an antagonistic effect with other drugs such as lincomycin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol.
Important: Suspend its use and consult your doctor or pharmacist, if you notice any of these symptoms or any that are not on the list.
contraindications of clindamycin
Treatment with this drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- In patients sensitive to any of the components of clindamycin.
- In patients with a history of ulcerative colitis.
- In patients with antibiotic-associated colitis.
- Do not administer clindamycin during pregnancy.
- Do not administer during lactation, since it has been shown that clindamycin is excreted through breast milk.
To highlight: You should review your health history with your doctor before starting treatment with clindamycin. Furthermore, this medication should be kept out of the reach of children .
Key Findings
- Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum synthetic antibiotic .
- Its active principle is clindamycin , a lincosamide of semi-synthetic origin, derived from lincomycin.
- This drug is used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria and a wide variety of other anaerobic bacteria.
- This medicine is delicate to use, and it is recommended that its prescription and administration be supervised by a specialist doctor.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.