Clindamycin
Cleocin (clindamycin) is a prescription antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and certain intra-abdominal infections. It belongs to the lincosamide class of antibiotics and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Cleocin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections by preventing bacteria from multiplying.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 202862
- Generic
- Cleocin
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Cleocin treats bacterial infections including respiratory infections (such as pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and certain gynecological infections. It may also be used for dental infections and is sometimes prescribed before surgical procedures to prevent infection.
Cleocin is a lincosamide antibiotic that works by binding to the bacterial ribosome and inhibiting protein synthesis, which prevents bacteria from multiplying and allows the body's immune system to eliminate the remaining bacteria.
Cleocin is available by prescription only and should not be used for viral infections like the common cold or flu. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Rare but serious side effects include severe colitis (inflammation of the colon). Patients should complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, and should inform their doctor of any allergies or previous antibiotic-associated colitis.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy