What is clindamycin used for?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that's taken by mouth or given by injection to treat serious bacterial infections. These include bone and joint infections such as osteomyelitis, skin and soft tissue infections (including those caused by MRSA), peritonitis and tooth abscesses. Clindamycin is usually reserved for when other types of antibiotic haven't been effective, and for people who are allergic to penicillins.
Clindamycin cream is used to treat a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis (see our page on Dalacin cream) and clindamycin liquid or gel is used to treat acne (see our pages on Dalacin T and Zindaclin).
How does clindamycin work?
Clindamycin works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to them. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. The remaining bacteria die or are destroyed by the immune system. This clears up the infection.
Clindamycin is active against a wide variety of Gram positive bacteria, including streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci (including MRSA). It is also effective against a group of bacteria known collectively as anaerobic bacteria. This type of bacteria do not need oxygen to grow and multiply. Anaerobic bacteria can cause infections in areas of the body such as the bones, gut, pelvic cavity and gums.
To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to clindamycin your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a blood sample or swab from the skin.
Key facts about clindamycin
- Clindamycin is suitable for adults and children.
- Dalacin C is a brand name for clindamycin capsules.
- Clindamycin capsules are usually taken four times a day. Swallow the capsules with a full glass of water.
- The most common side effects of clindamycin are stomach ache, diarrhoea and inflammation of the bowel.
- If you get diarrhoea while taking clindamycin do not take another dose until you have spoken to your doctor.
- It's generally OK to drink alcohol while taking clindamycin. See below.
Who shouldn't take clindamycin?
Clindamycin is not suitable for people who are allergic to clindamycin or the related antibiotic lincomycin.
Some people might need extra monitoring while taking clindamycin. Make sure your doctor knows if you have:
- A history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- A history of inflammation of the large intestine or diarrhoea due to antibiotic treatment (antibiotic-associated colitis).
- A rare metabolic disorder called porphyria.
Can I take clindamycin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding make sure your doctor knows before you start treatment with this antibiotic.
Clindamycin is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy, but it will only be prescribed if your doctor thinks it is essential to treat your infection.
Clindamycin passes into breast milk in small amounts. This is not expected to be harmful to a breastfed baby, however you should consult your doctor straight away if your child develops diarrhoea or shows any sign of illness while you are taking clindamycin.
How do I take clindamycin, and how often?
The clindamycin dose and how long it needs to be taken for depends on the type of infection you have and your age. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor. These will be printed on the label that your pharmacist has put on the packet of medicine.
- Clindamycin is usually taken four times a day (ideally every six hours). Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day.
- Swallow clindamycin capsules whole with a full glass of water to avoid irritating the throat. They can be taken either with or without food.
If you forget to take a dose of clindamycin at the correct time, take it as soon as you remember and then space the rest of your doses over the remaining part of the day. Always try to take the correct number of doses each day but don't take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
As with all antibiotics it's important to finish the prescribed course (unless your doctor tells you otherwise) even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
Can I drink alcohol with clindamycin?
There is no 'do not drink alcohol' warning that applies to taking clindamycin because it doesn't specifically affect the medicine itself.
However, if you feel unwell with your infection, or if you find clindamycin gives you an upset stomach, then drinking alcohol could make this worse.
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with clindamycin. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people taking this antibiotic will experience that or any side effect.
Common side effects (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Stomach ache.
- Diarrhoea. Stop taking clindamycin and see your doctor straight away if you get diarrhoea either during treatment or in the few weeks after treatment.
- Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis). Clindamycin alters the normal bacterial flora of the bowel, leading to overgrowth of a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile. C diff produces toxins that can inflame the bowel and cause severe diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
Other possible side effects
- Inflammation or ulceration of the foodpipe (oesophagus). Make sure you take each dose of clindamycin with a full glass of water to avoid this.
- Feeling sick and vomiting.
- Overgrowth of the yeast Candida, which may cause infections such as thrush. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you think you've developed thrush, or any other new infection, while taking clindamycin.
- Allergic skin reactions. Tell your doctor if you get a rash.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
- Decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets in the blood.
Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of clindamycin. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report it using the yellow card website?
Can I take other medicines with clindamycin?
Before you take clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines. Similarly, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while you're taking clindamycin. Some key points are:
Clindamycin doesn't affect hormonal contraceptives such as the pill. However, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea while taking this antibiotic, this can potentially make your pill less effective at preventing pregnancy. If this happens to you, follow the instructions for vomiting and diarrhoea described in the leaflet provided with your pills.
Clindamycin may rarely increase the anti-blood-clotting effects of warfarin. If you're taking warfarin your doctor may want to check your blood clotting time (INR) after you start and finish treatment with clindamycin.