From the Guidelines
Clindamycin belongs to the lincosamide class of antibiotics. It works by binding to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. This mechanism makes it effective against many gram-positive aerobic bacteria and a wide range of anaerobic bacteria. Clindamycin is commonly used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly those involving the skin, soft tissues, respiratory tract, and intra-abdominal infections. It's also valuable for treating infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and some protozoal diseases. Unlike some other antibiotic classes, clindamycin has good penetration into bone tissue, making it useful for bone and joint infections. However, it should be used with caution due to its association with Clostridioides difficile infection, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis, as noted in various studies 1.
Some key points to consider when using clindamycin include:
- Its effectiveness against a broad range of gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria
- Its ability to penetrate bone tissue, making it useful for bone and joint infections
- The need for caution due to the risk of Clostridioides difficile infection
- The importance of selecting the appropriate dosage and treatment duration based on the specific infection being treated, as outlined in guidelines such as those from the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1 and the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot 1.
Overall, clindamycin is a valuable antibiotic for treating various infections, but its use should be guided by careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, as well as adherence to established treatment guidelines.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin. The drug class that clindamycin belongs to is Lincosamides, which is a class of antibiotics.
- Key characteristics: Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the ribosome.
- Mechanism of action: Clindamycin is bacteriostatic 2.
From the Research
Classification of Clindamycin
Mechanism of Action
- Clindamycin is bacteriostatic and inhibits protein synthesis in sensitive bacteria 3, 4.
- It may also be bactericidal at higher concentrations 3, 4.
Spectrum of Activity
- Clindamycin exhibits a narrow spectrum of microbiologic activity, primarily against gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria 5.
- It is also effective against certain protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium falciparum, and Babesia spp. 6.