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Clindamycin Bone Penetration — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyClindamycin Bone PenetrationNDEB AFK

Which of the following antibiotics achieves the highest concentration in bone compared to serum, making it particularly useful for osteomyelitis treatment?

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Correct answer: B — Clindamycin

Clindamycin achieves excellent bone penetration — bone concentrations reach approximately 40-60% of serum levels (one of the highest bone-to-serum ratios of any oral antibiotic). It is also effective against most oral anaerobes and Gram-positive organisms. These properties make it the preferred antibiotic for treating osteomyelitis of the jaws, either as monotherapy or in combination with metronidazole. Standard dosing for osteomyelitis is clindamycin 300-450 mg QID for 4-6 weeks (prolonged course needed for bone infections).

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019