Guide To Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a popular antibiotic! It was first synthesized in 1966, so it has been around for a decent amount of time. Patients have options when taking this medication! It is available as capsules, liquid, and even an injection. Most adults will take 150 to 300 milligrams orally every six hours. If they have a severe infection, this increases to 300 to 450 milligrams. The same time frame applies! If patients require an injection, it will come in a dose of 600 to 1,200 milligrams. This can be divided into multiple doses. Typically, this is done in two to four doses!
Clindamycin is excellent at treating infections! This includes blood and lung infections. If patients are allergic to penicillin tablets or other forms, this is a great alternative. Patients with acne are even able to use this medication! Typically, they will have topical clindamycin for acne. However, clindamycin pills may also be used. Of course, patients must talk to their doctor first.
How It Works
Clindamycin works by slowing bacteria growth in the body! High doses can even prevent this growth. It is derived from lincomycin, a natural antibiotic, making it partially synthetic. Patients should note that clindamycin is more effective! It is also water-soluble. This means that is can dissolve in water! This antibiotic blocks bacterial protein synthesis and ribosome translocation. It does bind to 50S rRNA, though this can be reversed! Patients should be aware that it does overlap with other binding sites of other medicines. This includes macrolide antibiotics and some antibacterial drugs!
Learn about the variety of uses for this antibiotic next.
Uses For Clindamycin
Clindamycin treats skin infections, including impetigo and cellulitis! It can even help with infected animal bites. It may also combine with other medications for pelvic inflammatory disease and other conditions! Patients who have had surgery on their heart may be given clindamycin. This is crucial before procedures that may increase their infection risk!
If pneumonia patients have not had success with other medications, this antibiotic will help! It can even help treat malaria. Patients with acne may use topical clindamycin to make it disappear! It may also help individuals with gum disease.
Reveal the side effects next.
Side Effects
Patients often deal with diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. These are the common side effects! Other possible reactions are rashes, pain in the abdomen, and jaundice. The risk of joint pain, swallowing issues, and heartburn due to this medication are rare. Patients taking clindamycin can typically relax!
Of course, they should talk to their doctor right away if they see certain side effects, such as white patches in the mouth. Vaginal itching and swelling also merit a doctor's visit! In extremely rare cases, patients may experience hives, issues breathing, blisters, and decreased urination. This requires emergency attention!
Learn about the precautions related to taking this antibiotic next.
Precautions To Remember
Patients must talk to their doctor if they have certain conditions before taking this antibiotic. Conditions of note include asthma, eczema, liver disease, and colitis! Allergies to yellow food dye or Aspirin are also vital pieces of information doctors must know. They have to know before prescribing this medication! Patients may require an alternative if they deal with any of these factors. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also have to talk to their doctor first! Although they can still take this antibiotic, women must monitor their babies for potential side effects. This includes diarrhea, an upset stomach, and diaper rash! Doctors need to know if any of these appear.
Patients must take capsules with water to prevent side effects! Dosing spoons assist with the liquid form. Nurses give patients the first dose of injectable clindamycin. They also teach patients how to self-administer future doses! Patients have to protect this medication from heat and moisture. It needs to be stored at room temperature, and never in the refrigerator! Any unused liquid medication should be disposed of safely after fourteen days. Patients can return this to the pharmacy! Surgeons need to know if their patient takes this antibiotic, as it can interact with anesthesia! Patients must finish the full course. Follow-up doctor visits are essential for this medication!
Uncover potential medication interactions next.
Potential Medication Interactions
Of course, there are potential medication interactions with this antibiotic. These interactions can cause serious side effects! Thankfully, they are avoidable. Patients must speak with their doctor about any supplements and medications they take. In total, there are sixty-six known clindamycin interactions. The good news is that some, such as ketoconazole, only require adjusted doses. Doctors can handle this easily!
Other antibiotics, some antidepressants, and antiviral medications cannot be combined with clindamycin. Women should also know that this can affect their birth control! Overall, patients must have their doctor and pharmacist check their current medications for interactions. Doing this at refills is incredibly helpful too!