From the Guidelines
Appropriate Dose of Clindamycin for Pediatric Patients
The appropriate dose of clindamycin for pediatric patients is 20-40 mg/kg/day divided into three or four equal doses, with a maximum daily dose of 450 mg for mild to moderate infections, as indicated in the guidelines for the management of skin and soft tissue infections 1. For severe infections, such as those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the dose may be increased to 25-40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses, not to exceed 900 mg per day, as suggested by the management guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia in infants and children older than 3 months of age 1.
- Key Considerations:
- The dosage may vary depending on the specific infection being treated and the severity of the infection.
- Clindamycin is effective against a range of bacterial infections, including those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group A Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA.
- The duration of treatment typically ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the specific infection being treated.
- Clindamycin capsules or oral solution (Cleocin) are commonly used formulations for pediatric patients.
Important Notes
- The guidelines emphasize the importance of considering local susceptibility data when selecting antimicrobial therapy.
- For children with a history of possible nonserious allergic reactions to amoxicillin, treatment with clindamycin (if susceptible) is among the options for individualized care.
- Particular caution should be exercised in selecting alternatives to amoxicillin for children with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, given the potential for secondary sites of infection, including meningitis.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pediatric Patients (for children who are able to swallow capsules): Serious infections – 8 to 16 mg/kg/day (4 to 8 mg/lb/day) divided into three or four equal doses. More severe infections – 16 to 20 mg/kg/day (8 to 10 mg/lb/day) divided into three or four equal doses. The appropriate dose of clindamycin for pediatric patients is:
- 8 to 16 mg/kg/day for serious infections, divided into three or four equal doses
- 16 to 20 mg/kg/day for more severe infections, divided into three or four equal doses 2