What is the dosing for Clindamycin (antibiotic) for treating ingrown hairs in the axilla with secondary bacterial infection?

Clindamycin Dosing for Ingrown Hairs with Secondary Bacterial Infection in the Axilla

For ingrown hairs in the axilla with secondary bacterial infection, clindamycin should be administered at a dose of 300-450 mg orally every 6-8 hours for 7 days. 1

Dosing Recommendations

Oral Administration

• Adults: 300-450 mg orally every 6-8 hours for 7 days 1
• Children: 10-13 mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours orally, not to exceed 40 mg/kg/day 1, 2

Intravenous Administration (for severe infections only)

• Adults: 600-900 mg every 8 hours IV 1
• Children: 10-13 mg/kg/dose every 8 hours IV 1

Treatment Approach for Axillary Infections

Primary Treatment

• Incision and drainage is the primary treatment for any abscess formation 1
• Apply clindamycin topically as a thin film twice daily to affected areas after drainage 3
• For infections with systemic symptoms or extensive involvement, use oral clindamycin at the doses specified above 1

Special Considerations for Axillary Region

• Axillary infections may involve mixed bacterial flora including anaerobes 1
• Clindamycin is particularly effective against both gram-positive organisms and anaerobes commonly found in axillary infections 4, 5
• Duration of therapy should be 7 days, but may be extended if infection has not improved within this period 1

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Clinical improvement should be seen within 48 hours of initiating therapy 1
• If no improvement is observed within 48 hours, consider:
  • Possible resistant organisms 1
  • Need for surgical intervention 1
  • Alternative antibiotic therapy 1

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

• Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea) 5
• Monitor for Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea 4
• Consider probiotics during treatment to reduce risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea 4

Alternative Treatments

• For patients with penicillin allergy, clindamycin is the preferred agent 1
• For MRSA coverage, clindamycin is effective when the organism is susceptible 2
• For severe or extensive infections, consider combination therapy with other antibiotics 5

Clindamycin is particularly well-suited for treating secondary bacterial infections of ingrown hairs in the axilla due to its excellent coverage of both gram-positive organisms and anaerobes commonly found in this area 4, 5. The combination of surgical drainage (when indicated) and appropriate antibiotic therapy provides the most effective approach to resolving these infections and preventing complications 1.