Clindamycin: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Cleocin
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Clindamycin is used for
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
WARNINGS Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Vancomycin has been found to be effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridium difficile . The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams to 2 grams of vancomycin orally per day in three to four divided doses administered for 7 to 10 days. Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind vancomycin in vitro . If both a resin and vancomycin are to be administered concurrently, it may be advisable to separate the time of administration of each drug. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 37,185 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (9)
Failed Impurities/Degradation: Out of Specification results for Total Impurities and for Assay.
Recalling firm: SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
CGMP Deviations
Recalling firm: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA
CGMP Deviations: Product was stored outside labeled storage temperature requirements. Product was exposed to controlled room temperature environment instead of remaining refrigerated.
Recalling firm: MCKESSON CORPORATION
CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
Recalling firm: Cardinal Health Inc.
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: High out-of-specification (OOS) results were demonstrated for several specified impurities at the 24-month time point
Recalling firm: Pfizer Inc.
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: High out-of-specification (OOS) results were demonstrated for several specified impurities at the 24-month time point
Recalling firm: Pfizer Inc.
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: High out-of-specification (OOS) results were demonstrated for several specified impurities at the 24-month time point
Recalling firm: Pfizer Inc.
Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Product; small number of tubes may include the presence of mold on the cap
Recalling firm: L. Perrigo Company
Presence of Particulate Matter: Firm is recalling a small number of vials with very small reflective flakes consistent with delamination of the glass vial.
Recalling firm: Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Clindamycin prescribed for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Clindamycin?
WARNINGS Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Vancomycin has been found to be effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridium difficile . The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams to 2 grams of vancomycin orally per day in three to four divided doses administered for 7 to 10 days. Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind vancomycin in vitro . If both a resin and vancomycin are to be administered concurrently, it may be advisable to separate the time of administration of each drug. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.
Does Clindamycin interact with other medications or foods?
Clindamycin has 0 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.