Clindamycin is a prescription antibacterial medication that is part of a class of drugs called lincomycin antibiotics. This medication works by interfering with bacterial growth and replication within the body. Clindamycin is administered orally as a liquid or capsule, or as a vaginal suppository, and can be taken up to four times daily as indicated by a doctor.
Bacterial Infections
Clindamycin is indicated to treat bacterial infections caused by anaerobes, pneumococci, streptococci or staphylococci bacteria, RxList reports. These bacteria can cause infections of the respiratory tract, skin, abdomen or genital tract, such as pneumonia, acne, peritonitis or bacterial vaginosis. To avoid developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, patients should continue to take clindamycin for the entire length of the prescription even if bacterial infection symptoms subside.
Contraindications
A patient who is hypersensitive to any of the components of this medication, including clindamycin and lincomycin, should not be treated, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This medication is also contraindicated for patients with preexisting ulcerative colitis or enteritis. Use of clindamycin can increase a patient's risk of developing pseudomembranous colitis, a severe medical condition characterized by extensive intestinal inflammation. Nursing mothers and children should avoid using clindamycin unless otherwise instructed by a medical professional.
Side Effects
Patients taking clindamycin can experience unpleasant side effects, Drugs.com warns. Mild side effects can include throat irritation, upset stomach, vomiting, bowel changes, joint discomfort, skin rash or vaginal itching. Patients who experience severe side effects while taking clindamycin, such as bloody diarrhea, fever or flu-like symptoms, severe blistering or a peeling skin rash, skin bruising or bleeding, or jaundice, should seek immediate medical care.
