CHEM 2211 - Chemistry at Home Blog Post - Clindamycin

Cowan, D. (Photographer). (2019)
My topical ance therapy containing clindamycin [photograph]. Calgary, Canada.

Clindamycin is used as an active ingredient in many different antibiotic treatments.^1,2 Its molecular formula and weight are C₁₈H₃₄Cl₂N₂O₅S and 461.4g/mol, respectively.³ Clindamycin is an antibacterial commonly used in the treatment of infections, typically of the skin and soft tissue.^1,2,4 Its method of action is to prevent bacteria from multiplying through inhibiting bacterial synthesis at the 50S ribosome.⁵ Clindamycin can be prescribed by a doctor in different forms including an injection, a topical treatment (cream) and more.¹ The topical form of clindamycin is commonly used to treat and control the bacteria that cause acne, making it a useful acne therapy treatment.^5,6

Like most chemicals of daily life, there are some negative side effects to using products containing clindamycin. Additionally, these side effects can vary depending on the method of application. For example, when injected, clindamycin can have serious side effects including diarrhea and intestinal issues, inflammation of the colon, serious skin reactions, and swelling and blistering of the face, mouth, and eyes.^1,5 In a different manner, when applied topically, the side effects of Clindamycin range from dry and peeling skin to the formation of new pimples, headaches and more.⁷

An important piece of information to consider before using products containing clindamycin, is that this chemical holds what the FDA calls the ‘Black Box Warning’.^5,8,9 This is the most serious warning given out by the FDA and is used as an alert for patients and doctors for the potentially dangerous side effects.⁵ The primary reason for which Clindamycin received this warning is for the risk that it poses in pseudomembranous colitis from Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD).⁴ CDAD is a symptomatic infection caused by spore-forming bacteria and causes about 20% of antibiotic-associated diarrhea cases. Because of this, it is important to take a full antibiotic history of patients experiencing antibiotic-associated diarrhea as a side effect of clindamycin in order to assess the potential risk of CDAD.⁴

Due to all of the risk associated with using clindamycin, it is important to only do so if instructed by a medical care professional. On top of this, it is important to fully understand these risks before using clindamycin products.

(1)      Clindamycin Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/clindamycin.html (accessed Oct 9, 2019).

(2)      Clindamycin | FDA Label - Capsule | AIDSinfo https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/drugs/446/clindamycin/197/professional (accessed Oct 21, 2019).

(3)      Cleocin | C18H34Cl2N2O5S - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cleocin (accessed Oct 21, 2019).

(4)      The Clindamycin Fact Sheet | Medpage Today https://www.medpagetoday.com/blogs/epmonthly/53645 (accessed Oct 21, 2019).

(5)     Clindamycin: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More https://www.healthline.com/health/clindamycin-oral-capsule#important-warnings (accessed Oct 9, 2019).

(6)      Clindamycin (Topical Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clindamycin-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20063064 (accessed Oct 9, 2019).

(7)      Clindamycin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609005.html (accessed Oct 9, 2019).

(8)      Black Box Warnings|Compliance and SafetyAsk a Pharmacist | Health Info | Walgreens https://www.walgreens.com/topic/faq/questionandanswer.jsp?questionTierId=900002&faqId=5400004 (accessed Oct 9, 2019).

(9)      Clindamycin | FDA Label - Injection (solution) | AIDSinfo https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/drugs/446/clindamycin/46/professional (accessed Oct 9, 2019).