What Is Clindamycin Used For?
Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shannon Chatham, DO, a healthcare provider affiliated with Wisp

Key takeaways

• Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including skin infections, bone and joint infections, respiratory infections, and BV (bacterial vaginosis).
• Clindamycin cream 2% (vaginal) is a CDC-recommended first-line treatment for BV in nonpregnant individuals, alongside metronidazole.
• Common side effects of Clindamycin include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
• Serious side effects like severe skin reactions or diarrhea require immediate medical attention.
• Treatment with Clindamycin should be completed as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping Clindamycin too soon or skipping doses can lead to antibiotic resistance.

So, you've heard of Clindamycin and want to know what all the fuss is about. Maybe your healthcare provider mentioned it, or you're doing your research (we love that for you).

In short, Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and it's been doing this job since the FDA first approved it in 1970.

It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. The infection caused by those pesky bacteria gets cleared out so you can get back to feeling like yourself.

Now, let's break down exactly what kinds of conditions Clindamycin is for, its side effects, dosage, forms, and everything else you need to feel confident about this medicine.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

What is Clindamycin used to treat?

Clindamycin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in adults and children.

It's indicated for the treatment of serious infections, particularly those caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria (the kind that thrive without oxygen), as well as staphylococci, streptococci, and pneumococci.

Let's get into the specifics of what this medicine may be used for:

Skin and soft-tissue infections

This is one of the most common reasons clinicians reach for Clindamycin. Skin infections like cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections often respond well to this antibiotic.

It's particularly useful for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including Clindamycin use for some strains of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Bone and joint infections

Clindamycin penetrates bone tissue really well, making it effective for osteomyelitis (bone infection) and septic arthritis.

These serious conditions often require weeks of treatment, and Clindamycin is sometimes used together with other antibiotics.

Respiratory infections

Lower respiratory tract infections, including lung abscesses and aspiration pneumonia, can be treated with Clindamycin. It covers many anaerobic bacteria responsible for these infections.

Gynecological and pelvic infections

Clindamycin is used to treat serious infections in the pelvic area, including endometritis and postsurgical vaginal infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.

Wisp does not diagnose or treat the conditions listed above. These infections require in-person medical evaluation and care from an in-person provider.

Clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Here's where things get a little nuanced. Clindamycin can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).

However (and this is important), Clindamycin cream 2% (applied vaginally) is a CDC-recommended first-line treatment for BV, right alongside metronidazole.

Oral Clindamycin, on the other hand, is considered an alternative regimen rather than first-line.

Why? It carries a boxed warning about the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can be serious. That’s not to say that Clindamycin cream eliminates the risk entirely, but it is certainly minimized.

Because of this, many healthcare providers reserve oral Clindamycin for cases where first-line treatments aren't tolerated or haven't worked.

What about Clindamycin for UTI?

If you're wondering whether Clindamycin works for urinary tract infections, the short answer is: not really.

Clindamycin will not work for most UTIs because it doesn't adequately cover the bacteria that typically cause these infections (like E. coli).

UTIs need different antibiotics that specifically target urinary tract bacteria, like nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Forms of Clindamycin

Clindamycin is usually available in several different forms depending on the infection type and severity.

• Topical Clindamycin: Clindamycin gels, lotions, and creams are applied to the skin for acne or used vaginally for BV.
• Clindamycin oral capsules: Clindamycin hydrochloride or Clindamycin HCl capsules are most common for systemic infections.
• Clindamycin oral liquid: Great for kids or anyone who has trouble swallowing capsules.
• Clindamycin injection: Clindamycin phosphate is used for IV formulations, typically in inpatient healthcare settings.

All forms, including Clindamycin phosphate, Clindamycin hydrochloride, and Clindamycin nicotinamide, convert to active Clindamycin in your body.

Wisp offers Topical Clindamycin only. Other formulations mentioned here are not provided by Wisp and require evaluation and prescription from an in-person provider.

Side effects of Clindamycin

Like all medicines, Clindamycin may cause side effects. Most are mild, but some require immediate attention.

Oral Clindamycin:

• Cracks in the skin, scaliness, blistering, peeling, or swelling
• Black, tarry stools, bloating, diarrhea (watery and severe; sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, heartburn
• Urination changes: dark, cloudy, bloody, decreased frequency, pain, or increased thirst
• Bleeding gums
• Coughing, a dry mouth, or difficulty swallowing
• Blurred vision, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, or getting chills
• Fever, headache, general feelings of fatigue or weakness
• Vaginal itching or pain
• Yellow eyes or skin

Topical Clindamycin:

• Severe abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, and bloating
• Diarrhea (watery and severe), which may also be bloody, nausea, or vomiting
• Fever
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Unusual weight loss
• Skin rash, itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation
• Dryness, scaliness, or peeling of skin
• Headaches
• Irritation or oily skin
• Stinging or burning feeling in the skin

Clindamycin also carries a boxed warning about Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can range from mild to life-threatening.

This is not a complete list of risks and side effects, and others may occur. If symptoms worsen or you notice signs of an allergic reaction, contact a provider right away.

Who should avoid Clindamycin?

This medicine isn't right for everyone. Tell your doctor about your medical history before starting treatment.

Don't use Clindamycin if:

• You're allergic to Clindamycin or lincomycin
• You have a history of C. difficile infection

Use the medicine with caution if:

• You have liver or kidney disease, or an intestinal disorder
• You are taking or plan to take other medications that may interact with Clindamycin. Clindamycin has many potential drug interactions. Tell your doctor about all medications you take.

Using Clindamycin vaginal cream for BV

Clindamycin is also available as a vaginal cream for treating BV. Insert 1 applicator full (5 grams containing approximately 100 mg of clindamycin phosphate) vaginally each night at bedtime for 7 consecutive nights.

A few tips for vaginal cream use:

• Use the disposable applicators provided with the cream
• Apply at bedtime for best results
• Complete the full 7-night course, even if symptoms improve
• Do not use tampons, douches, or other vaginal products during treatment
• Avoid vaginal intercourse during treatment
• The cream contains mineral oil, which may weaken latex or rubber products like condoms or diaphragms—avoid using these for 72 hours after treatment.
  

When do doctors choose Clindamycin over other antibiotics for BV?

Healthcare providers typically turn to Clindamycin for BV when:

• You're allergic to metronidazole: If metronidazole isn't an option, Clindamycin cream becomes a solid alternative.
• Metronidazole hasn't worked: For recurrent BV, providers may try a different approach.

That said, Clindamycin does come with a C. difficile warning to be aware of.

If you're dealing with BV, your provider can help you explore the right treatment options for you.

Get the care you deserve

Understanding what Clindamycin is used for helps you make informed decisions. This antibiotic, used to treat serious bacterial infections, is powerful but not one-size-fits-all. Knowing when it's the right (or wrong) choice matters.

If you're dealing with BV symptoms and want to explore treatment options without the in-person waiting room, Wisp makes it easy.

Connect with a licensed provider online, get personalized care, and have your prescription delivered discreetly.

Because your vaginal health deserves judgment-free attention.

Explore BV antibiotics and get care from the comfort of home!

Most prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy within 3 hours of completing your medical intake form and phone call or video chat when necessary. Pending retail pharmacy hours.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.