Clindamycin: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It Safely
Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including some skin, dental, bone, lung, and resistant staph infections. It does not work for viral illnesses such as colds or flu, and the correct dose and formulation depend on the infection being treated.
Take clindamycin exactly as prescribed and finish the full course unless your clinician tells you to stop. Contact a healthcare professional promptly for severe diarrhea, allergic reactions, or signs of liver problems.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01FF01
- Generic
- Clindamycin
- Class
- lincosamide
- Brands
- Cleocin
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 8
- Routes
- oral, iv, topical
- Forms
- capsule, injection, gel
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- c-diff-infection
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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
14 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed for serious infections
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed; avoid near term if possible due to potential neonatal effects
fetal monitoring, assess neonatal status at birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno dosage adjustment typically required
compatible with breastfeeding but monitor infant for GI disturbances; consider alternative if infant is premature or has GI issues
monitor infant for diarrhea, vomiting, candidiasis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesdose based on weight; use with caution in newborns under 1 month
use with extreme caution; hepatic and renal function immature in neonates
monitor liver and kidney function, monitor for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants20-40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses
standard pediatric dosing applies; effective for skin, soft tissue, and respiratory infections
routine monitoring for efficacy and adverse effects
pediatric_age
children20-40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses
standard pediatric dosing; can be used for various infections including skin, bone, joint, pulmonary, and intra-abdominal infections
routine clinical monitoring
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment; use with caution
use with caution due to increased risk of clostridioides difficile infection; assess renal and hepatic function
monitor renal and hepatic function; monitor for diarrhea and signs of C. difficile infection
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno dosage adjustment required
standard dosing acceptable
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
moderateno specific dosage adjustment typically required
use standard dosing; monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution; no specific dose reduction established
use only if benefits outweigh risks; consider drug level monitoring if available
monitor renal function closely, monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dosage adjustment typically required
standard dosing acceptable
routine hepatic function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateconsider dose reduction in severe impairment only
use with caution; monitor hepatic function
monitor hepatic function tests regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose or increase dosing interval; monitor drug levels if available
use only if benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative therapy
frequent hepatic function monitoring, monitor for signs of hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antibiotic class information for Clindamycin
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Clindamycin
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval timeline
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy