GENERIC NAME: clindamycin oral
BRAND NAME: Cleocin
DISCONTINUED: Cleocin capsules have been discontinued.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating serious infections. It is effective again several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. The FDA approved clindamycin in February 1970.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Clindamycin is used for treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is most often used for treating penicillin-allergic patients or in other situations where penicillin or other alternative antibiotics cannot be used.
Some examples of infections that are treated with clindamycin include serious respiratory tract infections (for example, empyema, pneumonitis, and lung abscess); serious skin and soft tissue infections; female pelvic and genital tract infections (for example, endometritis); and ovarian abscess).
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of clindamycin are: