Clindamycin (Cleocin HCL)

Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic derivative of Lincomycin, The antibacterial effect of Clindamycin is similar to that of Lincomycin and Erythromycin. Clindamycin should only be used to treat a serious infection caused by susceptible:

• Anaerobic bacteria, e.g., Prevotella melaninogenica, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Clostridium perfringens.
• Aerobic bacteria, e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes

Although Clindamycin is indicated for patients who are allergic to penicillin, the dentist should consider other less toxic alternatives, e.g., Erythromycin.

Active ingredient in CleocinHCl capsule contains clindamycin hydrochloride 75 mg, 150 mg or 300 mg.

Inactive ingredients are gelatin, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, lactose and dyes

Dispense: adult dose -150 to 450 mg. every 6 hours
                 children dose - 4-10 mg/lb/day (divide into 3-4 equal doses)

Clindamycin serious side effects:
Clindamycin, when taken even in a small amount, can distort gut ecology and enable overgrowth of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis (C. diff). C.diff produces a gut toxin that causes diarrhea,  leads to dehydration, hypotension and  kidney failure. Patients may need to be hospitalized to maintain blood pressure.

C. diff. responded well to Metronidazole (IV or orally), Vancomycin and Riflaximin (Riflaximin does not have FDA approval for treating C. diff)

Some other side effects include:

1. Jaundice
2. Skin rash with severe tingling, numbness
3. Allergic reaction
4. Less or no urination
5. Flu-liked symptoms (fever, chill, body aches, sores in your mouth)
6. Easy bruising, purple or red spots under skin
7. Unusual bleeding from nose, vagina, rectum)
8. Muscle weakness
9. Joint pain
10. Vaginitis
11. Abdominal pain
12. Pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the inner colon lining)
13. Esophagitis
14. Pruritus (itching)
15. Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
16. Eosinophilia (An abnormally high blood eosinophils)

Note:  
Carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of this pharmaceutical to other alternative options before using it.