Clindamycin
About
Clindamycin belongs to the class of medication called 'antibiotics' primarily used to treat acne (pimples). Acne is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Symptoms include blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and large/red bumps.
Clindamycin contains 'Clindamycin' that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which stops bacterial growth. It shows a bacteriostatic effect, which prevents the multiplication of bacteria.
Clindamycin is for external (for skin) use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, and mouth. Like all medicines, Clindamycin also causes side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects of Clindamycin include burning sensation, itching, dryness, redness, oily skin, and peeling of the skin. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Clindamycin. Let your doctor know if you have a history of eczema, dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon). Do not use Clindamycin on sunburnt, dry, or irritated skin. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a breastfeeding mother before using Clindamycin. Clindamycin is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Uses of Clindamycin
Medicinal Benefits
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that treats acne (pimples). It contains Clindamycin which works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth. It shows a bacteriostatic effect, which stops bacterial reproduction but doesn't kill them.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clindamycin
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Dryness
- Redness
- Oily skin
- Peeling of the skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Clindamycin if you are allergic to any of its components. Let your doctor know if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, an inflammation of the colon), and allergic conditions (asthma, hay fever, eczema, and dermatitis). Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Clindamycin. Do not apply Clindamycin on mucous membranes, lesions, and large areas of skin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Clindamycin. Clindamycin is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Clindamycin may interact with antibiotics (erythromycin), anticoagulants (warfarin), and neuromuscular blocking agents (atracurium, vecuronium).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Clindamycin, let your doctor know if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, colitis, asthma, hay fever, eczema, and dermatitis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interactions were found/established. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Clindamycin if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Clindamycin if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply the cream, gel or lotion on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.
Driving
safe if prescribedClindamycin has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using Clindamycin.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Clindamycin.
Children
unsafeClindamycin is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not share cosmetic products, face towels, and bathing bars.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Rinse your face with water several times a day to avoid breakouts.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid infecting the affected area.
- Hydration is important in managing acne; hence drink 3-4 litres of water daily to eliminate toxins from the body.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.
Special Advise
- Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Clindamycin.
- Foam products are flammable; keep them away from flames and extreme heat. Do not puncture or incinerate the foam canister.
- If the acne doesn't improve, ultrasound scanning of the abdomen is advised to check if there is any possibility of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: It is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers though all age groups are affected. Symptoms include blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and large/red bumps. Break-outs can happen on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. The risk factors for acne are hormonal changes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), poor sleep, stress, smoking, dermatological and cosmetic products with high oil content, and genetic conditions. Treatment involves antibiotics, retinoids, and topical products with diet and lifestyle changes.
FAQs
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that treats acne or pimples. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth.
Clindamycin should be used with proper caution and doctor consultation if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, an inflammation of the colon), allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever, and skin problems like eczema and dermatitis.
You are recommended to use Clindamycin for as long as it is advised by the doctor. Clindamycin usually improves your skin condition in 4-6 weeks of treatment. Please contact your doctor if you notice no improvement after a month of treatment.
Clindamycin is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put a bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Clindamycin unless the doctor advised doing so. Do not apply Clindamycin on mucous membranes, lesions, or large areas of skin. If Clindamycin comes in contact with eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water.
You can leave the medicine overnight on the skin if you are using cream/gel/lotion formulations. However, if any irritation occurs, please stop usage and consult your doctor.
