Drawing

Generic Name
Brand Name

Clindamycin
klindamycin
Therapeutic: anti-infectives

Classification

Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria at the level of the 50S

Action

Dosage

Indication

ribosome.
Therapeutic Effects: Bactericidal or bacteriostatic, depending on
susceptibility and concentration.
PO: QID (6AM-12PM-6PM-12AM)
350 mg tab
Treatment of: Skin and skin structure infections, Respiratory tract
infections, Septicemia, Intra-abdominal infections, Gynecologic
infections, Osteomyelitis, Endocarditis prophylaxis.
Hypersensitivity; Regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis (topical foam);

Contraindication

Previous

pseudomembranous

colitis;

Severe

liver

impairment;

Diarrhea; Known alcohol intolerance (topical solution, suspension).

Kaolin/pectin may decreaase GI absorption.
Drug Interaction

Side Effects and

Adverse Effects
Nursing
Responsibilities

May enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of other

neuromuscular blocking agents.
CNS: dizziness, headache, vertigo
CV: arrhythmias, hypotension.
GI: PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS, diarrhea, nausea,
vomiting.
Derm: rash.
PO: Administer with a full glass of water. Give before meals.
Shake liquid preparations well. Do not refrigerate. Stable for 14

days at room temperature.

Instruct patient to take medication around the clock at evenly
spaced times and to finish the drug completely as directed, even
if feeling better. Take missed doses as soon as possible unless
almost time for next dose. Do not double doses. Advise patient

that sharing of this medication may be dangerous.

Monitor CBC; may cause transient in leukocytes,
eosinophils, and platelets. May cause alkaline phosphatase,

bilirubin, CPK, AST and ALT concentrations.

Assess for infection (vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum,

urine, and stool; WBC) at beginning of and during therapy.

Instruct patient to notify health care professional immediately if
diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, or bloody stools occur and
not to treat with antidiarrheals without consulting health care

professional.
Advice patient to report signs of superinfection (furry
overgrowth on the tongue, vaginal or anal itching or discharge).
Notify health care professional if no improvement within a few

days.
Patients with a history of rheumatic heart disease or valve
replacement need to be taught the importance of antimicrobial
prophylaxis before invasive medical or dental procedures.