clindamycin hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Lincosamide antibiotic
Licensed role
Serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive or anaerobic bacteria
Taking capsules
Swallow whole while upright with a full glass of water
Important warning
Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea needs prompt medical assessment, including after treatment
What is clindamycin hydrochloride used for?
These capsules are licensed for serious bacterial infections where the organism is susceptible to clindamycin.
Serious infections caused by susceptible staphylococci, streptococci or pneumococci
Serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria
Not appropriate for infections requiring effective penetration into cerebrospinal fluid
How does clindamycin hydrochloride work?
Clindamycin binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and interrupts protein production. This mainly stops susceptible bacteria from growing.
clindamycin hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
How to take clindamycin hydrochloride
Follow the prescription label.
Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water while upright.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes afterwards because the capsule can irritate or ulcerate the oesophagus.
Capsules may be taken with or without food.
Do not crush the capsules.
clindamycin hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal liver-function test results
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea or colitis during or after treatment
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Blistering, peeling or widespread severe skin reactions
- Jaundice
- Acute kidney injury
clindamycin hydrochloride in pregnancy
Clindamycin crosses the placenta. Available clinical data have not shown an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities after systemic use in later pregnancy, but first-trimester evidence is inadequate. It should be used only when the prescriber considers it clearly needed. Do not stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with a clinician.
clindamycin hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Clindamycin passes into breast milk. Treatment does not automatically require breastfeeding to stop, although an alternative antibiotic may sometimes be preferred. Monitor the infant for diarrhoea, blood in the stool or rash, and seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell.
clindamycin hydrochloride interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines being taken, particularly the following.
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
Clindamycin may increase clotting-test results or bleeding risk, so closer coagulation monitoring may be required.
Neuromuscular-blocking medicines
Clindamycin may strengthen neuromuscular blockade, particularly around anaesthesia or intensive care.
Rifampicin and other strong CYP3A inducers
They may increase clindamycin clearance and reduce its effectiveness.
Common questions about clindamycin hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is clindamycin hydrochloride a penicillin?
No. It is a lincosamide antibiotic and is chemically unrelated to penicillins.
Does clindamycin hydrochloride treat viral infections?
No. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and do not work against viral illnesses such as colds or flu.
Can the capsules be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.