From the Guidelines
For dental infections, the recommended dosage of clindamycin is typically 300-450 mg taken orally every 6-8 hours for 7-10 days, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Considerations
- The dosage may vary depending on the severity of the infection, with more severe cases potentially requiring the higher end of the dosage range.
- Children should receive 10-13 mg/kg/dose PO every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 40 mg/kg/day, as specified in the guidelines 1.
- Clindamycin is effective against anaerobic bacteria commonly found in dental infections and is an excellent alternative for patients allergic to penicillin.
- It achieves good penetration into bone tissue, making it effective for dental abscesses.
- Patients should take the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before completion to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, and if severe diarrhea occurs, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately as this could indicate Clostridioides difficile infection, a serious complication.
- Clindamycin should be taken with a full glass of water, and can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
Important Notes
- The guidelines recommend that treatment should continue for at least 2 days after symptoms have resolved.
- The most recent study 1 provides the most up-to-date and reliable information on the recommended dosage of clindamycin for dental infections.
- Other studies, such as 1 and 1, also provide relevant information, but the most recent study 1 takes precedence in terms of guiding clinical practice.
From the FDA Drug Label
Adults: Parenteral (IM or IV Administration): Serious infections due to aerobic gram-positive cocci and the more susceptible anaerobes (NOT generally including Bacteroides fragilis, Peptococcus species and Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens): 600 mg to 1,200 mg per day in 2,3 or 4 equal doses More severe infections, particularly those due to proven or suspected Bacteroides fragilis, Peptococcus species, or Clostridium species other than Clostridium perfringens: 1,200 mg to 2,700 mg per day in 2,3 or 4 equal doses.
The recommended dosing of Clindamycin for dental infections is:
- Serious infections: 600 mg to 1,200 mg per day in 2,3 or 4 equal doses
- More severe infections: 1,200 mg to 2,700 mg per day in 2,3 or 4 equal doses 2
From the Research
Recommended Dosing of Clindamycin for Dental Infections
The recommended dosing of Clindamycin for dental infections is as follows:
- 150 mg of Clindamycin orally four times daily for seven days, as shown in a study comparing Clindamycin to ampicillin in the treatment of odontogenic infections 3
- The dosage may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's medical history
Efficacy and Safety of Clindamycin
Clindamycin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of dental infections, with a broad spectrum of activity against aerobic, anaerobic, and beta-lactamase-producing pathogens 4, 3
- Clindamycin has high oral absorption and significant tissue penetration, including penetration into bone, making it a suitable option for dental infections 4, 5
- However, Clindamycin has been associated with pseudomembranous colitis, a potentially severe side effect, as reported in a case study of a young nurse who developed the condition after receiving oral Clindamycin for a dental infection 6
Considerations for Prescribing Clindamycin
Dentists should be aware of the efficacy and safety of Clindamycin before prescribing it for dental infections, including its potential side effects and interactions with other medications 7