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Lincosamide Antibiotic — Obstetric / Gynaecological

Clindamycin (BV / GBS Prophylaxis)

Brand names: Dalacin C, Dalacin T (vaginal)

Used in: Cellulitis & Skin Infection

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.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

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.

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