What is clindamycin cream for?

Clindamycin cream is a systemic antibiotic used to treat acne and vaginosis. In the case of acne, clindamycin has a special antibacterial effect that prevents the growth and reproduction of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Clindamycin in the form of solution, gel and lotion (Duac Once Daily gel) contains benzoyl peroxide and helps to open blocked pores and removes excess substances from the skin.

Regarding vaginosis, we should also say that this medicine cures vaginal secretions by reducing the growth of bacteria such as Gardnerella, Chlamydia and Trichomonas. Clindamycin as a vaginal cream is placed inside the vagina using an applicator to cover all the treated surfaces. To learn more about this drug, follow this article from the online positive green pharmacy magazine.

Dosage forms of clindamycin

Generally, there are four dosage forms of clindamycin: injectable, intravaginal, oral, and topical. The following table provides information about the different forms of this drug:

Uses of clindamycin

Doctors use clindamycin medicine or cream to treat a variety of bacterial infections. When it is not possible to use penicillin or the type of bacteria involved in the infection has been determined, clindamycin (if effective on the bacteria involved in the infection) is prescribed. In cases of skin infection, topical clindamycin cream is used. This drug is effective in treating acne (along with other related drugs).

Also, in cases where the infection is in the female genital tract, clindamycin cream or vaginal suppository is used. Of course, in some cases clindamycin lotion may also be prescribed for vaginal infections. In a few cases, clindamycin is used for conditions not officially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For example, doctors sometimes use clindamycin to treat anthrax and malaria.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibacterial agent that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria and prevents the elongation of peptide chains by interfering with peptidyl transfer and thus suppresses protein synthesis. It reduces the surface fatty acids of the skin. The exact mechanism of action in the treatment of acne is unknown, but clindamycin propionate inhibits the acne bacterium inside the body.

Although clindamycin phosphate is inactive in vitro, its rapid hydrolysis in vivo (i.e. inside a living organism) converts this compound into an active clindamycin antibiotic. Clindamycin drug or cream inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Clindamycin propioni inhibits acne bacterium in vitro (outside of a living organism, for example, a laboratory environment or…). Bacterial resistance may develop to clindamycin. Resistance to clindamycin may be associated with resistance to erythromycin. Cross-resistance has also been proven between clindamycin and lincomycin.

How to use

Among the different forms of this drug, we mention the method of using clindamycin gel or cream:

How to use clindamycin gel or cream

• Before using clindamycin, wash and dry the affected areas thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Use enough medicine to form a thin layer on the affected area.
• Apply the medicine to the entire area affected by acne, not just the pimples themselves. This action helps prevent the formation of new pimples.
• Avoid over-washing acne-prone areas. Because it may make your skin dry and acne worse. Washing with mild soap 2 or 3 times a day is enough.
• Topical clindamycin cream does not cure acne, but it helps control acne along with other treatments. Therefore, continue using this medicine throughout the course of treatment, even if your symptoms disappear after a few days. You may have to use this medicine daily for months. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may come back.

How to use clindamycin topical (vaginal) cream

Topical clindamycin cream can help treat bacterial infections in the vagina. This cream comes with an applicator. Women can insert the amount of one applicator, which is about 100 mg of clindamycin, into the vagina once a day at bedtime for 3 to 7 consecutive nights.

Cleocin vaginal cream is safe for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. Pregnant patients need 7 consecutive days of treatment. Pregnant women should not use clindamycin vaginal suppositories because researchers have not yet confirmed the suppositories’ safety during pregnancy. People with a history of colitis should not use clindamycin suppositories or cream.

Dosage of Clindamycin cream

The dose of this drug is different for different patients. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders or instructions on the label. The following information only includes average doses of this drug. Note that the amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the type, severity, and severity of the medical problem you are taking the medicine for.

Dosage for local dosage forms (gel, solution, foam and lotion):

For acne:

In infants and children under 12 years of age: consumption and dosage should be determined by a doctor.

Dosage for people 12 years old and above:

• Gel/solution/lotion (Celeocin T, Clindamex): Apply a thin layer of medicine on the affected area 1 time every 12 hours.
• Foam/gel (Ivocilin, Clindagel): Apply a thin layer of medicine on the affected area once a day.

Forgotten dose of clindamycin

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Time to use clindamycin ointment or cream

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections by preventing bacteria from dividing. Among the uses of this drug are vaginal infections, infectious wounds and wounds caused by surgery. Clindamycin capsules are effective for bacterial infections and have no effect on viral infections such as colds or flu.

When the doctor prescribes clindamycin medicine or cream, you must complete the specified course and follow the doctor’s prescription. Also, you should not use the medicine after recovery without a doctor’s prescription. Clindamycin ointment or cream is used to treat infectious diseases such as staphylococcal infections of bones, joints and peritonitis.

Precautions

• As a result of topical use of clindamycin cream, we may see systemic absorption of this drug. Therefore, in case of severe diarrhea, stop taking the medicine immediately.
• Clindamycin cream may cause skin irritation, especially when used concurrently with topical acne medications including peels or abrasives.
• This medicine should be used with caution in atopic people (people who have atopic dermatitis and whose skin is dry and sensitive with severe itching).
• Clindamycin ointment is for external use only and contact with eyes and mucous membranes (mouth and nose) should be avoided.
• If clindamycin cream is applied to the breast by nursing mothers, care should be taken not to rub it on the nipple and around it, so that it does not enter the mouth of the infant.

Clindamycin cream side effects

Any drug, along with its beneficial effects, may also cause unwanted side effects. Although all these side effects may not occur, if they occur, they may cause problems and require medical care. Consult your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur. In addition, these side effects may occur even a few weeks after stopping the use of this drug:

Rare complications:

• Abdominal or stomach cramps, pain and bloating (severe)
• Diarrhea (blue and severe), which may also be bloody
• Fever
• increased thirst
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight loss (unusual)

Less commonly reported side effects:

• skin rash
• itching
• Red
• Swelling or other symptoms of irritation that did not exist before taking this medicine

Commonly reported side effects:

• dryness
• Scaling or flaking of the skin
• stomach ache
• diarrhea (mild)
• Headache
• Skin irritation or greasiness
• A burning or stinging sensation on the skin

Clindamycin vaginal suppositories and cream may cause side effects such as the following:

• stomach ache
• Esophageal irritation
• nausea and vomiting
• Allergic skin reactions
• Severe allergic reactions
• Vaginal inflammation
• Accumulation of fluid under the skin
• Liver dysfunction
• Kidney dysfunction
• Blood disorders
• Dysfunction of the immune system
• Arthritis

According to available reports, it is rare for someone to develop colitis from using a clindamycin vaginal product. Finally, some other side effects of using vaginal clindamycin suppositories or creams can include the following:

• Fungal infections of the vagina
• Inflammation of the vagina and vulva
• Vaginal or vulva disorders
• vaginal pain

Contraindications for clindamycin medicine or cream

Keep these 10 points in mind to use clindamycin ointment or cream.

1. Before taking any drug, check its leaflet for drug interactions. If the medicine you are using interferes with this medicine, consult a specialist doctor so that you have done the correct diagnosis regarding stopping or continuing the medicine.
2. If you get diarrhea after taking this medicine, you should not use clindamycin under any circumstances.
3. If you are pregnant or have a nursing baby, it is difficult to take the medicine during breastfeeding or pregnancy.
4. Never give clindamycin vaginal cream to another person, even with the same symptoms as you.
5. If you are planning to get pregnant, avoid using clindamycin medicine or cream.
6. Check the expiration date of clindamycin vaginal suppositories. If the drug’s expiration date is over, you may experience side effects. Avoid using it after that.
7. If you have a history of allergy to clindamycin or lincomycin vaginal suppositories or other cream ingredients, stop using the cream.
8. Clindamycin (vaginal suppository) has been prescribed for your current illness, so avoid using it in similar cases.
9. The use of clindamycin vaginal cream is not recommended in women with a history of intestinal inflammation, ulcerative colitis, or colitis caused by the use of antibiotics.
10. If you have a special condition or disease such as Crohn’s disease or regional enteritis, inform your doctor before prescribing this medicine.

Clindamycin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clindamycin drug or cream is an effective antibiotic in the treatment of various bacterial infections. However, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. Because its use can lead to the following:

• – This drug is transferred to the fetus through the placenta and may cause side effects such as skeletal problems or kidney problems in the fetus.
• – Clindamycin is secreted in breast milk and may cause digestive problems in the baby.
• – Long-term use of this drug during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Therefore, prescribing this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be under the expert supervision of a doctor and only if necessary. Also, the minimum amount required for treatment should be prescribed to reduce the risks of the fetus and the baby.

Clindamycin drug interactions

The following substances should not be taken at the same time as clindamycin cream:

• Covering medicinal cosmetics
• Other acne products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tretinoin
• Skin care products that have a high alcohol content (some shaving creams, lotions, or aftershaves)
• Some skin cleansers or medicated soaps

According to experience, clindamycin has been proven to increase the effect of non-depolarizing muscle relaxants. This drug has an antagonistic effect on the effects of neostigmine and pyridostigmine drugs.

If you use clindamycin capsules, you need to know that neuromuscular blocking drugs, chloramphenicol, neostigmine, erythromycin and pyridostigmine interact with each other. So that the simultaneous use of this drug with erythromycin and chloramphenicol is not recommended at all.

Clindamycin storage conditions

• Clindamycin should be stored in unopened packaging at a temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.
• Keep Clindamycin medicine or cream out of the reach of children.
• Place the medicine in a dry and cool place away from heat and direct sunlight.

A final word about clindamycin cream

In this article from Positive Green Online Pharmacy magazine, we investigated the uses, side effects, etc. of clindamycin ointment or cream. Also, if you have any questions about this topical cream, you can leave us a comment.

Site source: Medscape