Brand name: Dalacin C

Generic name: Clindamycin HCL

Drug Classification: Antibiotics (anti-infective)
Indications: infections caused by susceptible anaerobic or gm + aerobic bacteria: Upper &
lower respiratory tract, skin & soft tissue, bone & joint, gynecological, intra-
abdominal infections, septicemia & endocarditis, dental infections. When used
concurrently w/ an aminoglycoside antibiotic eg gentamicin, tobramycin, it is
effective in preventing peritonitis or intra- abdominal abscess after bowel
perforation & bacterial contamination secondary to trauma.
Mechanism of action: Reversibly binds to 50S ribosomal subunits preventing peptide bond
formation thus inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; bacteriostatic or bactericidal
depending on drug concentration, infection site, and organism.
Dose: Adult Serious Infections 2400- 2700 mg in 3-4 equal doses. Less complicated
infections 1200-1800 mg/day in 3-4 equal doses. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
(inpatient treatment) Clindamycin phosphate 900 mg (IV) 8 hourly + an antibiotic
w/ an appropriate gm – ve aerobic spectrum IV. Continue w/ oral clindamycin HCl
450 mg 6 hourly to complete 10-14 days total therapy. Cervicitis due to Chlamydia
trachomatis oral clindamycin HCl 450 mg qid for 4-10 days.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin
Special Precaution: History of GI disease, severe renal or liver impairment
Adverse Reactions:
CNS: dizziness, headache, vertigo
CV: arrythmias, hypotension
GI: pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, bitter taste (IV only), nausea, vomiting
Derm: rashes
Local: phlebitis at IV site
Form: Capsule- 75mg, 150mg and 300mg; Oral suspension- 75mg/ 5mL; injection-
150mg/mL; Vaginal cream- 2% cream; Vaginal suppositories- 100 mg.
Pregnancy Risk Category: B
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Assess for infection (vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum, urine, and stool;
WBC) at beginning and throughout therapy.
 Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity prior to initiating therapy.
 Monitor bowel elimination.
 Assess patient for hypersensitivity (skin rash, urticaria).
 Monitor CBC