clindamycin topical

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

clindamycin topical is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of bacterial infections on the skin. It is a lincosamide antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins, which leads to the inhibition of bacterial growth.

clindamycin topical is effective against gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. It is also effective against some anaerobic bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes, which is commonly associated with acne. clindamycin topical is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris and other skin infections. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

1-10% 

Headache (3%)  

>10% 

Oiliness (1-18%) 

Itching/Burning (6-11%) 

Peeling (7-11%) 

Erythema (7-16%) 

Dryness (18-23%)  

Frequency not defined 

Systemic effects 

• Abdominal pain 
• Diarrhea 
• Hemorrhagic diarrhea 
• Nausea 
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Colitis 
• Dizziness 
• Hypersensitivity 

Local skin effects 

• Gram-negative folliculitis 
• Seborrhea 
• pain at application site /rash/erythema 
• Hypersensitivity 
• Urticaria

Post marketing Reports 

Contact dermatitis 

Eye pain 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

clindamycin topical is contraindicated in individuals who have a history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the components of the formulation. It should also not be used in patients with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.  

Caution: 

• Allergy: Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin should avoid using clindamycin topical. 
• Gastrointestinal disease: The use of clindamycin topical may result in the overgrowth of Non susceptible organisms such as Clostridioides difficile, which can cause colitis.  
• External use only: clindamycin topical is intended for external use only and should not be used in the eyes or applied to mucous membranes. 
• Pregnancy and lactation: clindamycin topical should only be used during pregnancy and lactation if the benefits outweigh the risks. 
• Pediatric use: Safety and efficacy of clindamycin topical have not been established in children younger than 12 years old.

Comorbidities: 

There are no specific comorbidities associated with the use of topical clindamycin. However, it is important take patient’s medical history, current medications, and overall health status before prescribing or using topical clindamycin. Additionally, patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis, should be closely monitored while using topical clindamycin as it can potentially cause colitis or antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned 

Lactation: It is not known whether clindamycin topical is excreted in human milk  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

clindamycin is an antibiotic which belongs to the lincosamide class. clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, which prevents peptide bond formation and elongation of the growing peptide chain. 

When applied topically, clindamycin is absorbed into the skin, where it can penetrate the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Propionibacterium acnes, which are often associated with skin infections and acne. 

clindamycin is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the bile and urine. It has a half-life of approximately 2.4 hours.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

clindamycin topical is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Specifically, it binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thereby preventing the synthesis of bacterial proteins. This results in the inhibition of bacterial growth and the eventual death of the bacteria. clindamycin is active against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Propionibacterium acnes. It is also effective against anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

clindamycin topical is absorbed through the skin and enters the systemic circulation. However, the systemic absorption is very low (less than 5% of the applied dose). 

Distribution 

clindamycin topical is distributed to the sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the skin. 

Metabolism 

clindamycin undergoes metabolism in the liver and is converted into clindamycin sulfoxide and N-demethylclindamycin. 

Elimination and excretion 

clindamycin and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the bile and feces. A small amount gets excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

clindamycin topical is typically applied to the affected area of the skin as a thin layer, following the instructions provided by a healthcare professional or as indicated on the medication label.

It is usually applied 1 to 2 times daily. The skin should be clean and dry before applying the medication, and the hands should be washed after application. 

clindamycin topical should not be applied to the eyes, mouth, or nose, and it should not be ingested. If accidental contact with these areas occurs, they should be thoroughly rinsed with water. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: clindamycin topical 

Pronounced: (klin-duh-MY-sin top-i-kal)  

Why do we use clindamycin topical? 

clindamycin topical is used to treat acne vulgaris, a common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is also used to treat various other skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as impetigo, folliculitis, and infected wounds. clindamycin topical may be used alone or in combination with other medications. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the affected area.