Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth and spread of bacteria in your body. Clindamycin may be used to treat a variety of different types of bacterial infections, including some that are caused by germs that can cause earaches or sinus infections, such as gonorrhea or streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Clindamycin is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and hepatitis B infection caused by hepatitis B virus; however, you should check with your doctor before taking clindamycin if you have kidney problems, history of kidney stones or are currently taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen).
The following conditions may be treated with clindamycin:
- Infections caused by certain types of bacteria such as gonorrhea and pneumonia (respiratory infections)
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Uses of Clindamycin
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth and spread of bacteria in your body. It’s called a “broad spectrum” antibiotic, which means it kills a wide range of harmful bacteria, including some types that can cause serious infections like pneumonia or meningitis.
Because clindamycin works differently than penicillin (another type of broad spectrum antibiotic), you may experience side effects when taking clindamycin as opposed to penicillin side effects.
Clindamycin may be used to treat a variety of different types of bacterial infections. These include:
- Bacterial skin infections, such as pimples, boils and abscesses
- Bacterial respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and sinusitis
- Female genital tract infections (i.e., bacterial vaginosis)
- Male genital tract infections (i.e., proctitis) * Urinary tract infections
Aminoglycosides.
Clindamycin is in a class of drugs called aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides are used to treat bacterial infections, including infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Clindamycin is also used to treat serious infections caused by the following bacteria:
- Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumonia)
How to Take Clindamycin
Clindamycin is usually taken by mouth, but it may also be given intravenously (by IV).
Clindamycin can be injected into a vein directly or it can be injected under the skin. It is injected in the arms, legs and thighs. The most common route of administration is intramuscularly (IM).
Clindamycin may also be given intranasally as a liquid spray through your nose or as a tablet to swallow whole with water.
It can also be used to treat skin infections with lower doses than other antibiotics such as penicillin G
Precaution
You should talk with your doctor before taking any antibiotic if you have kidney problems, history of kidney stones or are currently taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen).
Kidney disease can reduce the effectiveness of clindamycin. If you have kidney problems, discuss this with a healthcare provider who can tell if you need to avoid the drug.
Conclusion
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth and spread of bacteria in your body. It may be used to treat a variety of different types of bacterial infections. Clindamycin is usually taken by mouth, but it may also be given intravenously (by IV). Antibiotics work best when they are taken at the right dose and duration; you should talk with your doctor before taking any antibiotic if you have kidney problems, history of kidney stones or are currently taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen).
