Clindamycin
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Clindagel
- Brand Names
- Clindagel
- Route
- TOPICAL
- Dosage Form
- GEL
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
DESCRIPTION Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, 1% contains clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter. Clindamycin phosphate is a water soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic lincomycin. The lotion contains cetostearyl alcohol (2.5%); glycerin; glyceryl stearate SE (with potassium monostearate); isostearyl alcohol (2.5%); methylparaben (0.3%); sodium lauroyl sarcosinate; stearic acid; and purified water. The structural formula is represented below: The chemical name for clindamycin phosphate is Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1‑ methyl- trans -4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L- threo -α-D- galacto ‑ octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate).
What Is Clindamycin Used For?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In view of the potential for diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, the physician should consider whether other agents are more appropriate (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Dosage and Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of clindamycin phosphate topical lotion twice daily to affected area. Lotion: Shake well immediately before using. Keep all liquid dosage forms in containers tightly closed.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
ADVERSE REACTIONS In 18 clinical studies of various formulations of clindamycin phosphate using placebo vehicle and/or active comparator drugs as controls, patients experienced a number of treatment emergent adverse dermatologic events [see table below]. Number of Patients Reporting Events Treatment Emergent Adverse Event Solution n=553(%) Gel n=148(%) Lotion n=160(%) Burning 62 (11) 15 (10) 17 (11) Itching 36 ( 7) 15 (10) 17 (11) Burning/Itching 60 (11) # ( – ) # ( – ) Dryness 105 (19) 34 (23) 29 (18) Erythema 86 (16) 10 ( 7) 22 (14) Oiliness/Oily Skin 8 ( 1) 26 (18) 12* (10) Peeling 61 (11) # ( – ) 11 ( 7) # not recorded * of 126 subjects Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may end fatally. Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of clindamycin and rarely with topical clindamycin (see WARNINGS ). Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, gram-negative folliculitis, eye pain and contact dermatitis have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Perrigo at 1-866-634-9120 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Warnings and Precautions
WARNINGS Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen the condition. Vancomycin has been found to be effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridium difficile . The usual adult dosage is 500 milligrams to 2 grams of vancomycin orally per day in three to four divided doses administered for 7 to 10 days. Cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind vancomycin in vitro . If both a resin and vancomycin are to be administered concurrently, it may be advisable to separate the time of administration of each drug. Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects In clinical trials with pregnant women, the systemic administration of clindamycin during the second and third trimesters has not been associated with an increased frequency of congenital abnormalities. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Clindamycin should be used during the first trimester of pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers It is not known whether clindamycin is excreted in breast milk following use of clindamycin phosphate. However, orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk. Clindamycin has the potential to cause adverse effects on the breast-fed infant's gastrointestinal flora. Monitor the breast-fed infant for possible adverse effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for clindamycin and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from clindamycin or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations If used during lactation and clindamycin phosphate topical lotion is applied to the chest, care should be taken to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied clindamycin phosphate can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see WARNINGS ).
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, 1% containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per milliliter is available in the following size: 60 mL plastic squeeze bottle – NDC: 63629-8632-1 Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP]. Protect from freezing. Rx Only Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.