clindamycin phosphate at a glance
Medicine class
Lincosamide antibiotic
Licensed roles
Serious susceptible infections, acne or bacterial vaginosis, depending on formulation
What is clindamycin phosphate used for?
Licensed uses depend on the formulation.
Injection: serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive or anaerobic bacteria.
Gel and lotion: acne vulgaris; the gel is licensed specifically for mild to moderate acne.
Vaginal cream: bacterial vaginosis.
How does clindamycin phosphate work?
Clindamycin phosphate is converted to active clindamycin. Clindamycin binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and disrupts protein production, usually stopping susceptible bacteria from multiplying. In acne, it reduces susceptible acne-associated bacteria within follicles.
clindamycin phosphate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 2%, 2% w/w
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1%
Lotion
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take clindamycin phosphate
Follow the product label and prescriber’s instructions because administration differs by formulation.
Skin products: apply a thin film to affected skin. Avoid the eyes and the lining of the nose or mouth; rinse accidental contact with plenty of cool water. Shake the lotion before use.
Vaginal cream: use only intravaginally with the supplied applicator. Avoid intercourse, tampons, douches and other vaginal products during treatment. Latex condoms and diaphragms may be weakened during use and for 72 hours afterwards.
Injection: administered by a healthcare professional. Intravenous solution must be diluted and not given as an undiluted rapid injection.
clindamycin phosphate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Skin dryness, redness, burning, itching or irritation with acne preparations
- Vaginal thrush, irritation, discomfort or discharge with vaginal cream
- Rash
- Pain, irritation or inflammation at an injection site
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea, with or without abdominal cramps
- Breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, dizziness or collapse
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread rash, particularly with fever or systemic symptoms
- Markedly reduced urine output or other features of acute kidney injury
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, particularly with an anticoagulant
clindamycin phosphate in pregnancy
Tell the prescriber if pregnant or planning pregnancy because advice depends on the formulation and pregnancy stage. First-trimester data are limited; vaginal cream is not recommended then, while systemic and skin products require an individual benefit–risk assessment. Available experience has not shown more congenital abnormalities with systemic use later in pregnancy, but the injection contains benzyl alcohol.
clindamycin phosphate interactions
Relevance depends on the formulation and degree of systemic exposure.
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
Clindamycin may increase coagulation test results or bleeding risk; closer INR monitoring may be needed.
Neuromuscular-blocking medicines
Clindamycin may enhance neuromuscular blockade, particularly during anaesthesia or intensive care.
Common questions about clindamycin phosphate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is clindamycin phosphate the same as clindamycin?
Clindamycin phosphate is an inactive precursor converted to active clindamycin after administration.
Can acne gel be used vaginally?
No. Acne gel and lotion are for skin only; bacterial vaginosis requires the specifically formulated vaginal cream.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.