Clindamycin

Lincosamide Antibiotic

Also known as: Clindamycin phosphate

Description

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic effective against gram-positive bacteria, particularly Cutibacterium acnes. It is commonly used topically for acne and is frequently combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce antibiotic resistance. [Del 2009]

Mechanism of Action

Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Suppresses Cutibacterium acnes proliferation and reduces free fatty acid levels on the skin surface. Also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. [Del 2009]

Indications

  • Acne vulgaris (inflammatory) [Del]
  • Bacterial skin infections [Seidler]
  • Rosacea (adjunctive) [Del]

Available Concentrations

1%

Side Effects

  • Dryness [Del]
  • Skin irritation [Del]
  • Contact dermatitis [Seidler]
  • Pseudomembranous colitis (rare, topical)

Contraindications

  • History of pseudomembranous colitis [Del]
  • Hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin
  • History of antibiotic-associated colitis

Pregnancy Category

B [Zaenglein 2016]

Found In

Drugs containing Clindamycin

BenzaClinClindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide GelDoxt-SLDoxycycline CapsulesMinozMinocycline Capsules

Cosmetics containing Clindamycin

Acnelak CL Gel (Clindamycin 1% + Nicotinamide 4%)MenariniClindac A Gel (Clindamycin 1%)Galderma IndiaDeriva CMS Gel (Adapalene 0.1% + Clindamycin 1%)GlenmarkFucidin Cream (Fusidic Acid 2%)LEO PharmaFusiderm B Cream (Fusidic Acid 2% + Betamethasone 0.1%)GlenmarkNadoxin Cream (Nadifloxacin 1%)WockhardtPernex AC Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide 5% + Clindamycin 1%)CuratioSilverex Cream (Silver Sulfadiazine 1%)Comed ChemicalsSoframycin Cream (Framycetin + Sulphacetamide)SanofiSupatret C Gel (Clindamycin 1% + Tretinoin 0.025%)Sun PharmaT-Bact Ointment (Mupirocin 2%)GlaxoSmithKline

Related Conditions

Acne Vulgaris Topical antibiotic — anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory

References

  1. Del Rosso JQ. "Oral and topical antibiotics for acne vulgaris." Semin Cutan Med Surg, 2009. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2009.06.002
  2. Seidler EM, Kimball AB. "Meta-analysis comparing efficacy of benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin in acne." J Am Acad Dermatol, 2010. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.052
  3. Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris." J Am Acad Dermatol, 2016. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Clindamycin in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.