Clindamycin (BV / GBS Prophylaxis)
Brand names: Dalacin C, Dalacin T (vaginal)
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used in gynaecology for bacterial vaginosis (orally or as a vaginal preparation) and as an intrapartum group B streptococcus alternative in penicillin-allergic women.
The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.
The licensed dosing — for the medicine's licensed uses, which may differ from this page's — is on Clindamycin.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It binds the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit to inhibit protein synthesis, giving activity against many anaerobes and Gram-positive organisms.
Prescribing in practice
- Clindamycin carries one of the highest antibiotic risks for Clostridioides difficile colitis, so stop treatment and investigate if significant diarrhoea develops.
- For intrapartum group B streptococcus prophylaxis, confirm clindamycin susceptibility because resistance is increasingly common and renders it ineffective.
- Vaginal clindamycin cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, reducing contraceptive and barrier protection.
Monitoring
Monitor for new or worsening diarrhoea during and after treatment, and review group B streptococcus susceptibility results when used for intrapartum prophylaxis.
Counselling the patient
- Report severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea urgently, even after finishing the course.
- If using the vaginal cream, avoid relying on latex condoms or diaphragms during and shortly after treatment.
- Complete the prescribed course as directed.
Evidence & guidelines
Clindamycin is an established option for bacterial vaginosis and a recognised intrapartum alternative for group B streptococcus where susceptibility is confirmed.
Reference: BASHH BV Guidelines 2021; RCOG Green-top 36 (GBS); MHRA Drug Safety Update (clindamycin C. diff); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.