Clindamycin Phosphate Prescribing Information
Because Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial agents are inappropriate, as described in the
Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose products are indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.
Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose products are also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci. Its use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients for whom, in the judgment of the physician, a penicillin is inappropriate. Because of the risk of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis, as described in the
Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin.
Indicated surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.
Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the conditions listed below:
Lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia, empyema, and lung abscess caused by anaerobes,
Skin and skin structure infections caused by
Gynecological infections including endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis, and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection caused by susceptible anaerobes.
Intra-abdominal infections including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess caused by susceptible anaerobic organisms.
Septicemia caused by
Bone and joint infections including acute hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose and other antibacterial drugs, Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose products are indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria.
Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose products are also indicated in the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci. Its use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients for whom, in the judgment of the physician, a penicillin is inappropriate. Because of the risk of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis, as described in the
Because Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial agents are inappropriate, as described in the
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin.
Indicated surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.
Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the conditions listed below:
Lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia, empyema, and lung abscess caused by anaerobes,
Skin and skin structure infections caused by
Gynecological infections including endometritis, nongonococcal tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic cellulitis, and postsurgical vaginal cuff infection caused by susceptible anaerobes.
Intra-abdominal infections including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess caused by susceptible anaerobic organisms.
Septicemia caused by
Bone and joint infections including acute hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose and other antibacterial drugs, Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
If diarrhea occurs during therapy, this antibiotic should be discontinued (see
Because Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial agents are inappropriate, as described in the
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
600-1200 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses.
More severe infections, particularly those due to proven or suspected
1200-2700 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses.
For more serious infections, these doses may have to be increased. In life-threatening situations due to either aerobes or anaerobes these doses may be increased. Doses of as much as 4800 mg daily have been given intravenously to adults. See
Alternatively, drug may be administered in the form of a single rapid infusion of the first dose followed by continuous IV infusion as follows:
To maintain serum clindamycin levels | Rapid infusion rate | Maintenance infusion rate |
Above 4 mcg/mL | 10 mg/min for 30 min | 0.75 mg/min |
Above 5 mcg/mL | 15 mg/min for 30 min | 1.00 mg/min |
Above 6 mcg/mL | 20 mg/min for 30 min | 1.25 mg/min |
Parenteral therapy may be changed to oral clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride powder for oral solution or clindamycin hydrochloride capsules when the condition warrants and at the discretion of the physician.
In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days.
PMA (weeks) | Dose (mg/kg) | Dosing Interval (hours) |
Less than or equal to 32 | 5 | 8 |
Greater than or equal to 32 to less than or equal to 40 | 7 | 8 |
PMA: Post-Menstrual Age
Dose | Diluent | Time |
300 mg | 50 mL | 10 min |
600 mg | 50 mL | 20 min |
900 mg | 50–100 mL | 30 min |
1200 mg | 100 mL | 40 min |
Administration of more than 1200 mg in a single 1-hour infusion is not recommended.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
This drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin.
The following reactions have been reported with the use of clindamycin.
See
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see
In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy.
A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.
Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose when no other etiology is identified.
See
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see
In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy.
A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.
Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose when no other etiology is identified.
Severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see
See
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see
In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy.
A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.
Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose when no other etiology is identified.
See
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see
In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy.
A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.
Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose when no other etiology is identified.
See
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions have been reported (see
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see
In case of such an anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue treatment permanently and institute appropriate therapy.
A careful inquiry should be made concerning previous sensitivities to drugs and other allergens.
Clindamycin is potentially nephrotoxic and cases with acute kidney injury have been reported. Consider monitoring of renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. In case of acute kidney injury, discontinue Clindamycin Injection USP in 5% Dextrose when no other etiology is identified.
If diarrhea occurs during therapy, this antibiotic should be discontinued (see
600-1200 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses.
More severe infections, particularly those due to proven or suspected
1200-2700 mg/day in 2, 3 or 4 equal doses.
For more serious infections, these doses may have to be increased. In life-threatening situations due to either aerobes or anaerobes these doses may be increased. Doses of as much as 4800 mg daily have been given intravenously to adults. See
Alternatively, drug may be administered in the form of a single rapid infusion of the first dose followed by continuous IV infusion as follows:
To maintain serum clindamycin levels | Rapid infusion rate | Maintenance infusion rate |
Above 4 mcg/mL | 10 mg/min for 30 min | 0.75 mg/min |
Above 5 mcg/mL | 15 mg/min for 30 min | 1.00 mg/min |
Above 6 mcg/mL | 20 mg/min for 30 min | 1.25 mg/min |
Parenteral therapy may be changed to oral clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride powder for oral solution or clindamycin hydrochloride capsules when the condition warrants and at the discretion of the physician.
In cases of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days.
PMA (weeks) | Dose (mg/kg) | Dosing Interval (hours) |
Less than or equal to 32 | 5 | 8 |
Greater than or equal to 32 to less than or equal to 40 | 7 | 8 |
PMA: Post-Menstrual Age
Dose | Diluent | Time |
300 mg | 50 mL | 10 min |
600 mg | 50 mL | 20 min |
900 mg | 50–100 mL | 30 min |
1200 mg | 100 mL | 40 min |
Administration of more than 1200 mg in a single 1-hour infusion is not recommended.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents.
Clindamycin is metabolized predominantly by CYP3A4, and to a lesser extent by CYP3A5, to the major metabolite clindamycin sulfoxide and minor metabolite N-desmethylclindamycin. Therefore, inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 may increase plasma concentrations of clindamycin and inducers of these isoenzymes may reduce plasma concentrations of clindamycin. In the presence of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions. In the presence of strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, monitor for loss of effectiveness.
In vitro studies indicate that clindamycin does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1 or CYP2D6 and only moderately inhibits CYP3A4.