From the Guidelines
Clindamycin topical is effective against bacterial skin infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and anaerobic bacteria. The medication is commonly used for acne vulgaris, folliculitis, impetigo, and minor skin infections. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, clindamycin is recommended for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Some key points to consider when using clindamycin topical include:
- The medication should be applied to the affected area once or twice daily, depending on the formulation (gel, lotion, solution, or foam) 1.
- Treatment duration varies based on the condition but generally continues until improvement is seen, often 1-2 weeks for skin infections and longer for acne management 1.
- The area should be cleaned and dried before application, and users should wash their hands before and after use 1.
- Side effects may include skin dryness, redness, burning, or itching, and if diarrhea develops during treatment, medical attention should be sought as this could indicate a serious intestinal condition called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea 1. It's also important to note that clindamycin resistance is now very common, especially in CA-MRSA infections 1. Therefore, it's essential to use clindamycin topical judiciously and only when necessary, and to monitor for signs of resistance or treatment failure. In cases where clindamycin is not effective, alternative treatments such as linezolid, vancomycin, or daptomycin may be considered 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Microbiology Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Clindamycin is bacteriostatic Antimicrobial Activity Clindamycin is active in vitro against most isolates of Propionibacterium acnes;
Clindamycin (Clindamycin) topical is effective against Propionibacterium acnes bacterial infections 2.
From the Research
Bacterial Infections Treated with Clindamycin Topical
- Clindamycin topical is effective against Propionibacterium acnes (especially P. acnes and P. granulosum) 3, which is a common cause of acne vulgaris.
- It is also effective against Cutibacterium acnes, which is associated with acne lesion formation 4.
- Clindamycin topical can be used to treat folliculitis, which is an infection of hair follicles mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus 5.
- It is used as a topical antibiotic option for impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection in children, which can be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus 6.
- Clindamycin proves helpful in suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections 6.
Mechanism of Action
- Clindamycin works via both antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial mechanisms, suppressing the growth of propionibacterial species 3.
- It inhibits protein synthesis at the level of the bacterial ribosome, which contributes to its effectiveness against bacterial infections 4.