Cleocin is the brand name for the antibiotic clindamycin. Clindamycin is available orally in the forms of tablets, but it can also be administered via intravenous or intramuscular injection. It can also be administered as a topical cream or as a suppository. This antibiotic is effective against many different types of bacterial infections.
Uses
Clindamycin, according to Drugs.com, can be used to treat variety of different types of infections. Clindamycin is often used to treat anerobic bacterial infections; anerobic bacteria are those which do not need oxygen to survive. Clindamycin can also be used to treat streptococcal and staphylococcal infections in the skin, such as cellulitis. Clindamycin also is effective against respiratory, gynecological and abdominal infections, as well as infections of the bones and joints.
Mechanism
Clindamycin works to slow bacterial growth by preventing bacteria from making new proteins, RxList.com explains. It does this by binding to a part of the bacterial cell called the 50s subunit of the ribosome. The ribosome is the site of protein synthesis; by binding to part of the ribosome, clindamycin makes it impossible for the bacterial cells to make the proteins they need to replicate. Because clindamycin only blocks bacterial growth and is not directly toxic to bacteria, it is termed bacteriostatic.
Dosage and Pharmacology
Although clindamycin can be administered in many different forms, it is most commonly given orally. Drugs.com explains that when clindamycin is ingested, ninety percent of it is available for use by the body. It reaches its highest concentration in the blood forty-five minutes after it is taken. The dosage depends on the severity of the infection, but 150 to 450 milligrams taken every six hours is the standard dose.
Side Effects
Clindamycin use can cause certain side effects, Medline notes. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, pain upon swallowing and heartburn. When clindamycin is used to treat gynecological infections, it can also lead to a white vaginal discharge as well as swelling, itching or burning of the vagina. Some patients can have an allergic reaction to clindamycin, which can cause a rash or hives. Severe allergies can cause swelling of the limbs, face and airways, which can make it difficult to breathe or swallow. Patients with signs of a clindamycin allergy should stop taking the medication immediately.
Clostridium Infection
One potentially dangerous side effect of clindamycin use is an infection due to Clostridium dificile. This bacteria can grow inside the intestines after clindamycin administration because it is relatively resistant to the antibiotic's effects. An infection with this bacteria can result in a condition known as psuedomembranous colitis, which can cause diarrhea. Severe cases of psuedomembranous colitis can be fatal.
