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Clindamycin

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is active against Gram-positive cocci, including streptococci and penicillin-resistant staphylococci, and can be used if the patient has not responded to the first line antibiotic prescribed.

Clindamycin can cause the serious adverse effect of antibiotic-associated colitis more frequently than other antibiotics.

Review patients who have received a course of antibiotic treatment at 3 days (see Bacterial infections 3-day review tool).

If patients do not respond to first-line antibiotic treatment, or in cases of severe infection with spreading cellulitis, an appropriate 5-day regimen is:

Clindamycin Capsules, 300 mg

Send: 20 capsules

Label: 1 capsule four times daily, swallowed with water

Clindamycin Capsules, 300 mg

12-17 years

As for adults

For adults:

Clindamycin Capsules, 300 mg

Send: 20 capsules

Label: 1 capsule four times daily, swallowed with water

For children:

Clindamycin Capsules, 300 mg

12-17 years

As for adults

NB:   Advise patient that capsule should be swallowed with a glass of water. In severe infection, the dose of clindamycin can be increased up to 450 mg four times daily, if necessary.

Do not prescribe clindamycin to patients with diarrhoeal states.

Advise patient to discontinue use immediately if diarrhoea or colitis develops as clindamycin can cause the side-effect of antibiotic-associated colitis.

Drug interactions