Clindamycin
About Clindamycin
Clindamycin is used to treat acne (pimples). Acne is a skin condition caused by hair follicles being plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Symptoms include blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and large/red bumps.
The Clindamycin contains 'Clindamycin', which works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby stopping bacterial growth.
Common side effects of Clindamycin include burning sensation, itching, dryness, redness, oily skin, and peeling of the skin. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Clindamycin. Let your doctor know if you have a history of eczema, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a breastfeeding mother before using Clindamycin. Clindamycin is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Uses of Clindamycin
• Acne Treatment: Clindamycin helps minimise acne and prevent future breakouts by controlling oil production and clearing clogged pores.
• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Clindamycin soothes redness and irritation caused by acne lesions, promoting healthier-looking skin.
• Gentle Exfoliation: Clindamycin supports the removal of dead skin cells, enhancing skin texture and preventing pore congestion.
• Bacterial Defense: Clindamycin is packed with active ingredients, it targets acne-causing bacteria, reducing the chances of new blemishes.
• Oil Control: Clindamycin is ideal for oily skin types, it effectively regulates excess sebum for a balanced complexion.
Medicinal Benefits
- Clindamycin is an antibiotic that treats acne (pimples).
- It contains Clindamycin which works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth.
- It shows a bacteriostatic effect, which stops bacterial reproduction but doesn't kill them.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's guidance regarding the dosage and timing for optimal results.
- Clindamycin should be applied to the affected area with a clean cotton wool or gauze swab. Before applying Clindamycin wash your hands with soap and water and then gently rub the gel on the skin (affected area).
- Do not apply Clindamycin to open wounds; do not use external heat or occlusive dressings to the treated joints.
- Avoid contact of Clindamycin with eyes and mucous membranes.
Storage
Side Effects of Clindamycin
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Dryness
- Redness
- Oily skin
- Peeling of the skin
Drug Warnings
- Do not use Clindamycin if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Let your doctor know if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, an inflammation of the colon), and allergic conditions (asthma, hay fever, eczema, and dermatitis).
- Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Clindamycin.
- Do not apply Clindamycin on mucous membranes, lesions, and large areas of skin.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Clindamycin.
- Clindamycin is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Clindamycin may interact with antibiotics (erythromycin), anticoagulants (warfarin), and neuromuscular blocking agents (atracurium, vecuronium).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Clindamycin, let your doctor know if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, colitis, asthma, hay fever, eczema, and dermatitis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorNo interactions were found/established. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before using Clindamycin if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before using Clindamycin if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply the cream, gel or lotion on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.
Driving
safe if prescribedClindamycin has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using Clindamycin.
Kidney
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Clindamycin.
Children
unsafeClindamycin is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not share cosmetic products, face towels, and bathing bars.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Rinse your face with water several times a day to avoid breakouts.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid infecting the affected area.
- Hydration is important in managing acne; hence drink 3-4 litres of water daily to eliminate toxins from the body.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.
Special Advise
- Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Clindamycin.
- Foam products are flammable; keep them away from flames and extreme heat. Do not puncture or incinerate the foam canister.
- If the acne doesn't improve, ultrasound scanning of the abdomen is advised to check if there is any possibility of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: It is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers, though all age groups are affected. Symptoms include blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and large/red bumps. Breakouts can happen on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. The risk factors for acne are hormonal changes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), poor sleep, stress, smoking, dermatological and cosmetic products with high oil content, and genetic conditions. Treatment involves antibiotics, retinoids, and topical products, along with dietary and lifestyle changes.
FAQs
Clindamycin belongs to the class of medication called antibiotics; primarily used to treat acne (pimples).
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that treats acne or pimples. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which inhibits bacterial growth.
Clindamycin should be used with proper caution and doctor consultation if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, an inflammation of the colon), allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever, and skin problems like eczema and dermatitis.
You are recommended to use Clindamycin for as long as it is advised by the doctor. Clindamycin usually improves your skin condition in 4-6 weeks of treatment. Please contact your doctor if you notice no improvement after a month of treatment.
Clindamycin is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put a bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Clindamycin unless the doctor advised doing so. Do not apply Clindamycin on mucous membranes, lesions, or large areas of skin. If Clindamycin comes in contact with eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water.
You can leave the medicine overnight on the skin if you are using cream/gel/lotion formulations. However, if any irritation occurs, please stop usage and consult your doctor.
Clindamycin may cause side effects such as dryness, redness, itching, burning sensation, and skin peeling. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, do not put Clindamycin in the freezer, as it may change its efficacy. Store it at room temperature only in a cool and dark place.
No, using Clindamycin more frequently than recommended or on large areas of the body may cause hormonal imbalance. It may affect the growth and development in children. Generally, it is not used for children below 12 years unless it is prescribed by a dermatologist depending upon the clinical condition.
Clindamycin is effective if used in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Even if you see improvement in your condition, do not stop using it as discontinuing Clindamycin too early may cause symptoms to worsen or reappear.
