Description

What Is Clindamycin 300mg?

Clindamycin 300mg is a prescription antibiotic. Doctors use it to treat some serious bacterial infections. It is part of a group of drugs called lincomycin antibiotics. It works by killing or slowing the growth of bacteria susceptible to it.

But clindamycin won’t help with viral infections like a cold or the flu. So you should only take it when a qualified health professional prescribes it.

What Is Clindamycin 300mg Used For?

Doctors prescribe clindamycin 300mg for susceptible bacterial infections of the:

• Soft tissue & skin
• Lungs, breathing tract
• Belly
• Bones & Joints
• Female Genital organs
• Gums or teeth in selected cases

The appropriate antibiotic is chosen based on the bacteria, site of infection, medical history and local resistance patterns. So don’t use leftover capsules or give this medicine to another person.

How Does Clindamycin 300mg Function?

Clindamycin stops bacteria from making proteins. This inhibits the growth of susceptible bacteria. This can help the immune system fight the infection better.

Still, the drug will work only on certain bacteria. A doctor may choose the best treatment based on physical examination, laboratory tests or a bacterial culture.

How to Use Clindamycin 300mg Safely

Take this medicine exactly as your prescriber ordered. The dose and duration of therapy are dependent on the infection and the patient.

Safer usage:

• Take the capsule whole with a full glass of water.
• Remain seated or standing for at least 30 minutes after.
• Take each dose at the time scheduled.
• Clindamycin oral may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, ask your chemist if you can take it with food.
• Follow the prescribed course until your clinician advises you to stop.
• Don’t change the dose yourself.

Some official product labels list adult doses at 6 hourly intervals for serious infections. That information is not a personal dosage recommendation. Follow the directions on the prescription label at all times.

What If You Take Too Much?

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule.

If you are not sure, ask your doctor or chemist.

Typical Side Effects

Possible side effects are:

• Nausea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Mild diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• An unpleasant, metallic taste

Not everyone will experience these effects. But if any symptom is severe, or lasts, or is worrisome, talk to a healthcare professional.

Precautions for Diarrhoea

Clindamycin may lead to a severe form of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and inflammation of the colon caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). You may have this reaction while you are taking the medicine or even several weeks or months after treatment.

Call your doctor immediately if you develop:

• Watery, bloody diarrhoea, loose
• Persistent or severe diarrhoea
• Abdominal pains.
• Fever and diarrhoea

Unless a health care professional tells you to, do not treat severe diarrhoea with an over-the-counter medicine.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Get immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Breathing or swallowing problems
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Severe rash, blisters and peeling of the skin
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Urine, minimal
• Severe pain or difficulty on swallowing

These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction. So don’t write them off.

Who should talk to a doctor before taking this?

Tell your doctor if you:

• Hypersensitivity to lincomycin or clindamycin
• Have a history of other bowel disease or colitis
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Use prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

This will help the clinician to check if Clindamycin 300mg is suitable for you.

FAQs

Is Clindamycin 300mg a powerful antibiotic?

People often call clindamycin a strong antibiotic . That’s because doctors might use it for some serious infections . But the best antibiotic is the one which is safe and effective against the bacteria that are likely.

Is clindamycin in the penicillin family?

No. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is a lincomycin, not a penicillin. However, inform your doctor of any drug allergies before beginning treatment.

Clindamycin 300mg for dental infection?

Your dentist may prescribe clindamycin for certain dental infections , particularly if another antibiotic is not suitable for you . Dental pain can be caused by many things, however, and an antibiotic may not solve the underlying problem. Visit a dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

How long does it take clindamycin to work?

Some people begin to feel better in the first few days. But the improvement depends on infection and the extent of severity. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected, call your clinician.

Can I take it with meals?

Clindamycin is normally taken with or without food. If you feel nauseous, you might want to take it with food. Most importantly, take the capsule with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least half an hour.

Why am I not allowed to lie down after taking clindamycin?

An erect position prevents irritation of the oesophagus by the capsule. Therefore, sit or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking it.

Can I drink alcohol while on clindamycin?

Clindamycin doesn’t have the common alcohol interaction that some other antibiotics do. But alcohol can make nausea or upset stomach worse and slow recovery. Consult your doctor or chemist for advice taking into account your health and any other medicines you are taking.

What happens if I stop taking it before the end?

Ending early can lead to a relapse and bacteria may become resistant to treatment. So, take the full course as prescribed unless your clinician advises otherwise.

Can clindamycin 300mg cure cold/flu?

No. Colds and flu are viral infections and clindamycin is used to treat susceptible bacterial infections. The excessive use of antibiotics also helps breed resistance to antibiotics.

Clindamycin 300mg in pregnancy or breast feeding Is it safe?

The clinician must weigh the potential benefit against the risk. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before you take it.

Bottom line

Clindamycin 300mg is useful for some serious bacterial infections, but it has important risks, especially severe diarrhoea and colitis. Use the full glass of water, remain upright after taking the capsule, and complete the full course. Most importantly, seek immediate medical attention for severe diarrhoea, allergic reactions or any other serious symptoms.