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Therapeutic action
- Lincosamide antibacterial
Indications
- Severe staphylococcal and/or streptococcal infections (e.g. erysipelas, cellulitis, pneumonia):
- in betalactam-allergic patients
- in infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Uncomplicated cutaneous anthrax
- Completion treatment following therapy with parenteral clindamycin
Forms and strengths
- 150 mg and 300 mg capsules
Dosage
- Child: 10 to 13 mg/kg (max. 600 mg) 3 times daily
- Adult: 600 mg 3 times daily
|
Age |
Weight |
150 mg capsule |
300 mg capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 to < 6 years |
10 to < 20 kg |
1 cap x 3 |
– |
|
6 to < 9 years |
20 to < 30 kg |
– |
1 cap x 3 |
|
9 to < 13 years |
30 to < 45 kg |
3 cap x 3 |
– |
|
≥ 13 years and adult |
≥ 45 kg |
– |
2 cap x 3 |
Duration
- Erysipelas, cellulitis: 7 to 10 days
- Cutaneous anthrax: 7 to 14 days depending on severity
- Pneumonia: 10 to 14 days
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to patients with allergy to lincosamides or history of pseudomembranous colitis.
- Reduce dosage in patients with hepatic impairment.
- May cause: pseudomembranous colitis, rash, jaundice, severe allergic reactions. In these cases, stop treatment.
- In the event of pseudomembranous colitis, treat for Clostridium difficile infection (oral metronidazole).
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
- Breast-feeding: use only when there is no therapeutic alternative. Check infant’s stools (risk of pseudomembranous colitis).
Remarks
- Take capsules with a full glass of water (risk of esophageal irritation).
- If needed, open the capsule and mix the content into a spoon with food or fruit juice to mask the unpleasant taste.
- Clindamycin is use in combination with quinine for the treatment of malaria in pregnant women (10 mg/kg 2 times daily for 7 days).
Storage
–
– Below 25 °C