Clindamycin brands and prices in Pakistan

About Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibiotic from the lincosamide group (related to lincomycin). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria. It comes as capsules, a liquid (often used for children), an injection, and products put on the skin for acne. It is a prescription medicine, and it is often used for people, including children, who are allergic to penicillin. WHO lists it as an essential medicine in its "Access" group of antibiotics.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to clindamycin, lincomycin or any other ingredient.
• Tell your doctor if you have diarrhoea, often get diarrhoea with antibiotics, or have had colitis or other bowel or stomach problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, asthma, eczema or hay fever.
• The capsules contain lactose. Tell your doctor if you have been told you cannot tolerate some sugars.
• If you take it for a long time, your doctor may arrange blood tests to check your liver, kidneys and blood cells.
• Pregnancy: it crosses to the baby, and there is little information on use early in pregnancy. It is used only if it is clearly needed. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or might be.
• Breastfeeding: it passes into breast milk. Your doctor will decide if it is suitable. Tell your doctor straight away if your baby has diarrhoea, blood in the stool, a rash or seems unwell.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Warfarin and similar blood thinners (such as acenocoumarol): bleeding risk may rise, so blood tests may be needed
• Muscle relaxants used during operations (neuromuscular blockers); tell the surgical team you take it
• Rifampicin and other medicines that speed up how the liver breaks down drugs, which may make clindamycin work less well
• Contraceptive pills: UK leaflets advise using an extra method such as condoms while taking it and for a short time after. Ask your pharmacist.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, vitamins and herbal remedies you take.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it only when a doctor prescribes it for you. Finish the course exactly as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better, so the infection does not come back and bacteria do not become resistant.
• Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing up, and stay upright for a while afterwards before lying down. This helps protect your food pipe. Do not crush the capsules.
• You can take it with or without food.
• For children's liquid: measure with an oral syringe, squirt small amounts into the inside of the cheek, and give a drink afterwards. Do not give another dose if your child is sick after taking it; ask your pharmacist.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• You should start to feel better within a few days. Contact your doctor if you do not, or if you feel worse.
• Never share your antibiotics or keep leftovers for later. Store out of the reach of children and return unused medicine to a pharmacy.

Common questions

Can I take clindamycin if I am allergic to penicillin?
Yes, it is often used for people who are allergic to penicillin. But do not take it if you have ever reacted to clindamycin or lincomycin.

Why do I need to watch out for diarrhoea?
Like many antibiotics, clindamycin can let harmful bacteria grow in the bowel. Mild diarrhoea is common, but severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea can be a sign of a serious infection, even after you finish the course. Contact a doctor straight away if this happens.

Will it affect driving?
The UK leaflet says no effects on driving or using machines have been seen.

Can I use clindamycin gel on its own for acne?
NHS guidance says skin antibiotics such as clindamycin should not be used alone for acne. They are usually combined with benzoyl peroxide, which lowers the chance of bacteria becoming resistant.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.