MedPath

Clindamycin

Generic Name
Clindamycin
Brand Names
Acanya, Benzaclin, Biacna, Cabtreo, Cleocin, Cleocin-T, Clindacin, Clindagel, Clindesse, Clindoxyl, Dalacin, Dalacin C, Duac, Evoclin, Neuac, Onexton, Veltin, Xaciato, Ziana
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C18H33ClN2O5S
CAS Number
18323-44-9
Unique Ingredient Identifier
3U02EL437C

Overview

Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic lincosamide antibiotic used in the treatment of a variety of serious infections due to susceptible microorganisms as well as topically for acne vulgaris. It has a relatively narrow spectrum of activity that includes anaerobic bacteria as well as gram-positive cocci and bacilli and gram-negative bacilli. Interestingly, clindamycin appears to carry some activity against protozoans, and has been used off-label in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, malaria, and babesiosis. Clindamycin is derived from, and has largely replaced, lincomycin, a naturally occurring lincosamide and the eponymous member of this antibiotic class, due to its improved properties over the parent compound. The name lincomycin is derived from Lincoln, Nebraska, where it was first isolated from Streptomyces lincolnensis found in a soil sample.

Background

Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic lincosamide antibiotic used in the treatment of a variety of serious infections due to susceptible microorganisms as well as topically for acne vulgaris. It has a relatively narrow spectrum of activity that includes anaerobic bacteria as well as gram-positive cocci and bacilli and gram-negative bacilli. Interestingly, clindamycin appears to carry some activity against protozoans, and has been used off-label in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, malaria, and babesiosis. Clindamycin is derived from, and has largely replaced, lincomycin, a naturally occurring lincosamide and the eponymous member of this antibiotic class, due to its improved properties over the parent compound. The name lincomycin is derived from Lincoln, Nebraska, where it was first isolated from Streptomyces lincolnensis found in a soil sample.

Indication

In oral and parenteral formulations, clindamycin is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, as well as susceptible staphylococci, streptococci, and pneumococci. Used topically, it is indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris and is available in combination with benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin for this purpose, or as a triple combination therapy with benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. Clindamycin is also indicated as a vaginal cream, suppository, or gel for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant females. Clindamycin is used for antimicrobial prophylaxis against Viridans group streptococcal infections in susceptible patients undergoing oral, dental, or upper respiratory surgery, and may be used for prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in penicillin-allergic patients at high risk of these infections.

Associated Conditions

  • Abscess, Intra-Abdominal caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Acne Vulgaris
  • Babesiosis
  • Bacterial Endocarditis
  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  • Bloodstream Infections caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Bone and Joint Infections caused by susceptible Staphylococcus
  • Empyema caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Endometritis caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Lung Abscess caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
  • Mixed Vaginal Infections
  • Pelvic cellulitis caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Peritonitis caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia
  • Pneumonitis caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) caused by susceptible Staphylococcus
  • Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) caused by susceptible pneumococci
  • Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) caused by susceptible streptococci
  • Septicemia caused by susceptible Staphylococcus
  • Septicemia caused by susceptible streptococci
  • Skin Structures and Soft Tissue Infections caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Skin Structures and Soft Tissue Infections caused by susceptible Staphylococcus
  • Skin Structures and Soft Tissue Infections caused by susceptible streptococci
  • Toxoplasmosis
  • Tubo-ovarian abscess caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Vaginal Candidiasis
  • Vaginal Mycosis
  • Chronic Bone and Joint Infections caused by Susceptible infections
  • Moderate Acne vulgaris
  • Post-surgical vaginal cuff infection caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
  • Viridans group streptococci

FDA Approved Products

CLINDAMYCIN 1% / NIACINAMIDE 4% / TRETINOIN 0.05%
Manufacturer:Sincerus Florida, LLC
Route:TOPICAL
Strength:1 g in 100 g
Approved: 2019/05/06
NDC:72934-4054
Clindamycin hydrochloride
Manufacturer:PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Route:ORAL
Strength:300 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2023/04/04
NDC:72789-207
Clindamycin Phosphate
Manufacturer:ALMAJECT, INC.
Route:INTRAVENOUS
Strength:150 mg in 1 mL
Approved: 2022/07/18
NDC:72611-642
Clindamycin hydrochloride
Manufacturer:REMEDYREPACK INC.
Route:ORAL
Strength:150 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2024/01/05
NDC:70518-0424
Cleocin Hydrochloride
Manufacturer:Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC
Route:ORAL
Strength:300 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2022/11/09
NDC:0009-0395

Singapore Approved Products

No Singapore products found for this drug

Drug Development Updates

Stay informed with timely notifications on clinical trials and research advancements.

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath