DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name:
Clindamycin
Brand Name:
Apo-Clindamycin , Cleocin,
Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin T,
Cleocin Vaginal, Clindagel,
Clindamax, Clindesse, Novo-
Clindamycin
CLASSIFICATION
PHARMACO-THERAPEUTIC:
Lincosamide.
CLINICAL: Antibiotic.
Dosage and Route:
IV, IM:
CHILDREN 1 MO–16 YRS: 20–40
mg/ kg/day in 3–4 divided doses.
Maximum: 4.8 g/day.
CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 1
MO: 15–20 mg/kg/day in 3–4
divided doses. NEONATES: 10–30
mg/kg/day q6–12h.
PO:
CHILDREN: 8–25 mg/kg/day in 3–4
divided doses.
NEONATES: 10–30 mg/kg/day q6–
12h.
INDICATIONS AND
Inhibits protein synthesis in
susceptible bacteria by binding to the
50S subunits of bacterial ribosomes
and preventing peptide bond
formation, which causes bacterial
cell to die
REFERENCE:
ADVERSE EFFECTS
CONTRAINDICATIONS
INDICATIONS:
Systemic: Treatment of aerobic
gram-positive staphylococci and
streptococci (not enterococci),
Fusobacterium, Bacteroides spp.,
and Actinomyces for treat ment of
respiratory tract infections, skin/ soft
tissue infections, sepsis, intra-
abdominal infections, infections of
female pelvis and genital tract,
bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis
for dental and upper respiratory
procedures in penicillin-allergic pts,
perioperative prophylaxis. Topical:
Treatment of acne vulgaris.
Intravaginal: Treatment of bacterial
vaginosis. OFF-LABEL: Treatment
of actinomycosis, babesiosis,
erysipelas, malaria, otitis media,
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia
(PCP), sinusitis, toxoplasmosis. PO:
Bacterial vaginosis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
History of antibiotic-associated
colitis, regional enteritis, or
ulcerative colitis; hypersensitivity to
clindamycin or lincomycin or any of
their components
CNS: Fatigue, headache
CV: Hypotension, thrombophlebitis
(After IV. injection)
EENT: Eye pain (topical), glossitis,
metallic or unpleasant taste (with
high I.V dosage), stomatitis
GI: Abdominal pain, Clostridium
difficile, esophagitis, jaundice,
nausea
GU: Cervicitis, renal dysfunction,
vaginitis, and vulvar irritation (with
vaginal form)
HEME: Agranulocytosis,
eosinophilia
MS: Polyarthritis
SKIN: Acute generalized
exanthematous pustulosis, contact
dermatitis(Topical), erythema
multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis,
irritation, maculopapular rash,
pruritis, ras, Steven-Johnson
syndrome, toxic epidermal
necrolysis, urticarial
Other: Anaphylaxis, angioedema,
drug rash with eosinophilia, and
systemic symptoms (DRESS),
induration, pain, or sterile abscess
after injection, superinfection
BEFORE
Dx:
a. Questioned patient for history of
allergies.
b. Checked history of
hypersensitivity to clindamycin.
c. Checked BP for hypotension,
pulse for bradycardia
immediately before giving
medication.
Tx:
a. Rechecked doctor’s order for
administration.
b. Rechecked amount of drug
available to client.
c. Performed proper hand-washing
and aseptic technique.
Edx :
a. Educated client on drug therapy.
b. Ensured the patient takes drug as
prescribed by physician.
c. Instructed to avoid, if possible,
concurrent use of neuromuscular
blocking agents.
DURING
Dx:
a. Assessed pulse for quality, rate
and rhythm.
b. Monitored blood pressure.
c. Monitored EKG for cardiac
changes, particularly
prolongation of PR interval.
Tx:
a. Assisted patient in taking the
medicine
b. Notified physician of any
significant EKG interval
changes.

Edx:
a. Encouraged patient to verbalize
feelings and concerns.
b. Advised patient or significant
other to report any unusual signs
or symptoms.

AFTER :
Dx:
a. Observed patient for
side/adverse effects.
b. Assessed for superinfection:
fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
anal/genital pruritus, oral
mucosal changes (ulceration,
pain, erythema).
c. Monitored daily pattern of bowel
activity, stool consistency.

Tx:
a. Provided comfort measures.
b. Assisted with ambulation if
dizziness occurs.

Edx:
a. Instructed to report diarrhea
promptly due to potential for
serious colitis.
b. Instructed to continue therapy
for full length of treatment.
c. Emphasized that doses should be
evenly spaced.
d. Instructed to notify physician if
severe persistent diarrhea,
cramps, bloody stool occur.