Clindamycin: antibiotic for bacterial and parasitic infections
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and certain parasitic conditions. How it works, common side effects, and what to expect.
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that stops bacterial growth by blocking protein synthesis. Doctors prescribe it for bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissue, respiratory tract, and bone. It also treats certain parasitic infections including malaria.
How clindamycin works
Clindamycin enters bacterial cells and binds to ribosomes, halting protein production. Without new proteins, bacteria cannot survive or spread.
Common uses
You might receive clindamycin for:
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
- Bone and joint infections
- Acne (topical form)
- Certain parasitic infections
- Dental infections
- Strep throat (when penicillin cannot be used)
Side effects
Most people tolerate clindamycin well. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Allergic reactions are rare but possible if you have a history of penicillin or lincosamide allergy.
Serious but uncommon side effect: clindamycin can cause a secondary infection called Clostridioides difficile colitis, which produces severe diarrhoea. This risk increases with prolonged use.
Before taking clindamycin
Tell your doctor if you have:
- History of diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Allergy to lincosamides or penicillins
- Myasthenia gravis
How to take it
Clindamycin comes as capsules, liquid, injection, or topical cream. Take oral forms exactly as prescribed with a full glass of water. Do not skip doses even if you feel better; completing the full course prevents resistance.